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AID TO MORE EFFICIENT SABBATH SCHOOLS

FOR FURTHER STUDY

Enroll in the "Prophetic Guidance Course," a series of twenty-four corre-

spondence lessons on the spirit of prophecy in the advent movement. The life and

work of Ellen White receives special attention. Prepared under the direction of

the General Conference.

Write to THE PROPHETIC GUIDANCE SCHOOL, P.O. Box zoo, Glen-

dale 5, California.

A course designed especially for Seventh-day Adventists.

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THE BLESSING OF DAILY STUDY

"The beauty and riches of the word have a transforming influence on mind

and character."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

page 132.

"There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than the study

of the Scriptures. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to give

vigor to the faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible. If God's

word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind, a

nobility of character, and a stability of purpose rarely seen in these times."—

Steps to Christ,

page 9o.

My Daily Lesson Study Pledge

As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I

pledge myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath

school lesson each day of the week.

Name

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LESSON TITLES FOR THE QUARTER

How God Communicates With

Man

The Call to the Prophetic Office

The Broad Scope of the Prophet's

Work

The Prophetic Vision

The Prophet Delivers God's Message

Testing the Claims of the Prophet

IO.

12.

13.

Integrity of the Prophetic Message

The Primacy of the Bible

Place and Work of the Spirit of

Prophecy

Marks of the Remnant Church

A Gift That Guides and Guards

Prophecy, a Guiding Light

Confidence in the Spirit of Prophecy

Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 268, April-June, 1962. 20 cents a single copy, 75 cents a year

(four issues) ; no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Published in the U.S.A. by

Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of S.D.A.), 1350 Villa Street, Mountain View,

California. Second-class mail privileges authorized at Mountain View, California. When a change of

address is desired, please be sure to send both old and new addresses.

Printed in U.S.A.

Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly

THE GIFT OF PROPHECY

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

The gift of prophecy is one of God's

choicest gifts to men. Through the ages

the divine Revealer of truth has employed

this agency as His principal means of com-

munication between heaven and earth. A

prophet is a spokesman for God, whose

messages ring with truthfulness and author-

ity. The word of God has come to us

through the agency of prophets. Indeed,

Seventh-day Adventists hold "that the Holy

Scriptures of the Old and the New Testa-

ment were given by inspiration of God,

contain an all-sufficient revelation of His

will to men, and are the only unerring rule

of faith and practice."—"Fundamental Be-

liefs of Seventh-day Adventists," Declara-

tion 1,

Church Manual,

page 29.

The Bible writers clearly implied that in

the last days the gift of prophecy would be

manifest in the church. Seventh-day Ad-

ventists see in the experience of Ellen G.

White a fulfillment of this prediction, and

in their official statement of fundamental

beliefs declare:

"That God has placed in His church the

gifts of the Holy Spirit, as enumerated in

1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4. That

these gifts operate in harmony with the di-

vine principles of the Bible, and are given

`for the perfecting of the saints, for the

work of the ministry, for the edifying of

the body of Christ.' Eph. 4:12. That the

gift of the spirit of prophecy is one of the

identifying marks of the remnant church.

(1 Cor. 1:5-7; 1 Cor. 12:1-28; Rev. 12:17;

Rev. 19:10; Amos 3:7; Hosea 12:10, 13.)

They recognize that this gift was manifested

in the life and ministry of Ellen G. White."

—Ibid.,

p. 34.

The messages that came to Seventh-day

Adventists through the agency of His mes-

senger, Ellen G. White, came from the same

God who spoke through prophets of old.

But the messages of Mrs. White are not an

addition to the Bible. She served the Ad-

ventist people in mush the same way as Na-

than, Gad, Iddo, and Shemaiah served the

people of God in the Old Testament, and

John the Baptist, Agabus, and Silas in the

New Testament. See

The Great Contro-

versy,

Introduction, page viii, trade ed.;

page 10, missionary ed.

The line of inspired messengers of God who

served God's people in Bible times included

such women as Miriam, Deborah, Huldah,

Anna, and the four daughters of Philip.

These messengers of God were His servants

just as much as Moses or Paul or Peter.

Years ago Ellen G. White wrote concern-

ing the importance of understanding the

place of the spirit of prophecy in the

Seventh-day Adventist Church:

"As the end draws near and the work of

giving the last warning to the world ex-

tends, it becomes more important for those

who accept present truth to have a clear

understanding of the nature and influence

of the

Testimonies,

which God in His provi-

dence has linked with the work of the third

angel's message from its very

rise."—Testi-

monies, vol.

5, p. 654.

The purpose of these lessons is to help

our people gain this understanding, by pre-

senting for study the manifestation of the

gift of prophecy in Bible times as well as in

modern times. As a basic structure, we shall

utilize passages from the word of God to

illustrate the work of the prophets of old.

Parallels will also be drawn between the

experiences of Bible prophets and those of

the modern messenger of the Lord.

The relationship of the writings of Ellen

G. White to the word of God will receive

careful attention in these lessons. In order

more fully to amplify some phases of the

subject, extended notes have been used,

making some lessons longer than others.

Because of the peculiar nature of these

lessons and their importance to the church

at this time, the Daily Study Record and

the outline of the lesson have been omitted

to allow more space for note material.

Lesson 1, for April 7, 1962

How God Communicates With Man

MEMORY VERSE:

"Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but He revealeth His

secret unto His servants the prophets." Amos 3:7.

STUDY HELPS:

"The Great Controversy," Introduction, pages v-vii, trade ed.; pages

7-9, missionary ed.; A. G. Daniells, "The Abiding Gift of Prophecy," pages

15-21; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."

LESSON AIM:

To show (1) that the channels of communication between heaven

and earth are open in spite of man's fall into sin, and (2) that since the Fall

the gift of prophecy has been the principal channel for communicating light

to mankind.

THE LESSON

Introduction

"Before the entrance of sin, Adam en-

joyed open communion with his Maker;

but since man separated himself from God

by transgression, the human race has been

cut off from this high privilege. By the

plan of redemption, however, a way has

been opened whereby the inhabitants of

the earth may still have connection with

heaven. God has communicated with men

by His Spirit, and divine light has been

imparted to the world by revelations to

His chosen servants. 'Holy men of God

spake as they were moved by the Holy

Ghost.' 2 Peter

1:21."—The Great Contro-

versy,

Introduction, page v.

Before and After Man's Fall

How did God communicate with

man before the Fall? Gen. 1:27, 28;

2:15-17.

NOTE.—Adam and Eve then enjoyed open

communion with their Creator. "The bless-

ing for the human race was expressed 'unto

them.' As intelligent beings they were able

to listen to God and to receive communica-

tions. This verse contains the first revela-

tion of God to

man."—S.D.A. Bible Com-

mentary,

on Gen. 1:28.

Since the Fall, how has God

communicated with man? Heb. 1:1.

Compare Isa. 59:2.

Nom.—Sin erected a barrier between

man and God which brought about changes

in man's basic relationship to his Maker,

but a merciful God could not fail to estab-

lish a means of communication with lost

man in order to reclaim him. "In many

and various ways" (Heb. 1:1, R.S.V.) God

spoke to man after the Fall, seeking to

reach him with messages of instruction and

salvation.

Means of Communication

By what other means does God

communicate with man? Ps. 19:1-4;

Rom. 1:20.

Nom.—"Among the heathen are those

who worship God ignorantly, those to

whom the light is never brought by human

instrumentality, yet they will not perish.

Though ignorant of the written law of God,

they have heard His voice speaking to them

in nature, and have done the things that

the law required. Their works are evidence

that the Holy Spirit has touched their

hearts, and they are recognized as the chil-

dren of

God."—The Desire of Ages,

page

638.

Through whom did God warn

Lot? Gen. 19:1-3, 12, 13. Compare

Heb. 1:14.

NOTE.—From time to time members of

the human family entertained angels (Heb.

[4]

13:2) and communed with them as they

brought some message from heaven to the

inhabitants of earth. Christ and two angels

appeared in person to Abraham. Gen. 18:

1, 2, 22, 33;

Patriarchs and Prophets,

pages

138, 139. Compare Judges 13:3, 8, 9; Luke

1:19, 26, 27.

What means did God use to

warn Pharaoh of coming famine?

Gen. 41:1-7.

NOTE.—God at times communicated

through dreams to individuals, giving some

specific information or warning. See Gen.

40:5; Dan. 2:1; 4:4, 5; Matt. 2:13, 14.

Those to whom God thus communicated

were not prophets, nor did the rare experi-

ence place them in the category of prophets.

What other means did God pro-

vide through which He might reveal

His will to ancient Israel? Ex. 28:29,

30; Lev. 8:8. Compare 1 Sam. 30:7, 8.

NoTE.—"At the right and left of the

breastplate were two large stones of great

brilliancy. These were known as the Urim

and Thummim. By them the will of God

was made known through the high priest.

When questions were brought for decision

before the Lord, a halo of light encircling

the precious stone at the right was a token

of the divine consent or approval, while a

cloud shadowing the stone at the left was

an evidence of denial or disapprobation."

—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 351.

What did Jesus say concerning

Himself? John 12:46. Compare John

1:1-5, 9, 14, 18.

NoTE.—All lines of communication and

authority were embodied in Christ, "who

was the desire of all nations, the Priest

greater than Aaron, the Prophet greater

than Moses, the King greater than David,

the true Star of Jacob, and Sceptre of

Israel."—Farrar,

The Life of Christ,

E. P.

Dutton Co., N.Y., 1875, vol. 1, p. 146.

The Father on several occasions com-

municated with Christ in an audible voice.

Matt. 3:17; John 12:28; Luke 9:35.

Prophecy the Principal Channel

Besides dreams and Urim, what

other method of communication from

God was available to ancient Israel?

1 Sam. 28:6.

NOTE

.—Dreams, Urim, and prophets,

"these were God's own appointed mediums

of communication."—Patriarchs

and Proph-

ets,

page 683.

"The king had by his own act forfeited

the benefits of all the methods of inquiring

of God.... Could he expect to be answered

by God when he had cut off the channels

of communication that Heaven had or-

dained?"—Ibid., p. 676.

By what means did God com-

monly impart His messages to proph-

ets? Num. 12:6.

10.

What is the message of the

prophet frequently called? Hosea 1:1;

Joel 1:1; Micah 1:1.

NoTE.—The expression, "word of the

Lord," indicates clearly that God, not man,

is the source of the message. In the books

of Jeremiah and Ezekiel the expression,

"the word of the Lord came," is used many

times.

Prophetic Guidance for Our Time

11.

What does the Old Testament

say of prophetic guidance in the last

days? Acts 2:16-21. Compare Joel

2:28-32.

NoTE.—"In immediate connection with

the scenes of the great day of God, the Lord

by the prophet Joel has promised a special

manifestation of His Spirit. Joel 2:28.

This prophecy received a partial fulfillment

in the outpouring of the Spirit on the Day

of Pentecost; but it will reach its full ac-

complishment in the manifestation of divine

grace which will attend the closing work

of the gospel."—The

Great Controversy,

Introduction, page ix.

12. What is one important charac-

teristic of the remnant people of God?

Rev. 12:17; 19:10.

NoTE.—"The expression 'spirit of proph-

ecy' refers specifically to the 'manifestation

of the Spirit' in the form of a special gift

of the Holy Spirit that inspires the recipi-

ent and enables him to speak authoritatively

as a representative of God (1 Cor. 12:7-10)

when 'moved by the Holy Ghost' to do so

(2 Peter 1:21). The context of the expres-

sion in Rev. 19:10 defines 'the testimony of

Jesus' and 'the spirit of prophecy' in this

sense. In view of the fact that the 'remnant'

of ch. 12:17 specifically refers to the church

after the close of the 1260 prophetic days

of vs. 6 and 14, that is, after 1798 (see on

Dan. 7:25), ch. 12:17 stands as a clear

prediction of the special manifestation of

the 'spirit,' or 'gift,' of prophecy in the

church in our day. Seventh-day Adventists

believe the ministry of Ellen G. White

meets the specifications of Rev. 12:17 in a

unique

way."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary,

vol.

7, p. 876.

13. How did Paul refer to those

who were waiting for the day of the

Lord? 1 Thess. 5:4-6; 1 Cor. 1:4-7.

NOTE.

—

The

apostle Paul envisioned the

Corinthian Christians as enjoying a full,

rich, well-informed experience, as "waiting

for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ"

and as coming behind in no gift, as "the

testimony of Christ," or the spirit of proph-

ecy, was confirmed in them. See Rev. 12:

17; 19:10.

Thought Questions:

(1) Can you think

of other methods employed by God to

speak to man?

(2)

How does God speak

to your heart?

Lesson 2, for April 14, 1962

The Call to the Prophetic Office

MEMORY VERSE:

"And the Lord took me as I followed the flock, and the Lord said

unto me,

Go, prophesy unto My people Israel." Amos

7:15.

STUDY HELPS:

"S.D.A.

Bible Dictionary," article "Prophet," pages 879-883; A. G.

Daniells, "The Abiding Gift of Prophecy," pages 22-29; 36-45; "S.D.A. Bible

Commentary."

LESSON AIM:

To show (1) the manner in which God called certain ones to the

prophetic office, and (2) how the prophets' work

was sometimes received by

the people.

THE LESSON

Introduction

"The prophet is a person supernaturally

called and qualified as a spokesman for

God.... The prophet was in a special sense

God's official representative to His people

on earth. . . . The prophet was chiefly a

teacher of righteousness, spirituality, and

ethical conduct, a moral reformer bearing

messages of instruction, counsel, admoni-

tion, warning, whose work often included

the prediction of future events. . . .

"A prophet first received instruction from

the Lord and then conveyed it to the peo-

ple. These two aspects of the prophet's

work were reflected in the names by which

prophets were known in OT times: seer

(chozeh

ro'eh)

and prophet

(nab?).

The

]

title of seer was more common in the earlier

period of Hebrew history (1 Sa 9:9). The

term used more frequently in the OT was

nabi',

'prophet,' which designated him as

God's spokesman. As a `seer' the prophet

discerned God's will, and as 'prophet' he

conveyed it to others."—S.D.A.

Bible Dic-

tionary,

page 879.

The Divine Call

Who called Isaiah to his impor-

tant work and gave him his message?

Isa. 6:8, 9. Compare 2 Peter 1:21.

NoTE.—The prophet did not choose his

own work. His brethren did not elect or

appoint him to this important office. The

prophetic gift was not handed down from

father to son. "The call to prophetic office,

and the accompanying bestowal of the

prophetic gift, were acts of God, as in the

case of Isaiah (ch 6:8, 9), Jeremiah (ch 1:5),

Ezekiel (ch 2:3-5), and Amos (ch 7:15).

Moses received his call at the burning bush

(Ex 3:1 to 4:17). Elisha's call to the pro-

phetic office was announced by Elijah (1 Ki

19:19, 20; cf. 2 Ki 2:13, 14). Accompany-

ing the prophetic call was a special endow-

ment qualifying the prophet to speak for

God. This call constituted each prophet a

`watchman' over the house of Israel (see

Eze 33:7), and made the prophet strictly

accountable to God for faithfully delivering

the messages he was commissioned to bear

(vs 3,

6)."—S.D.A. Bible Dictionary,

page

881.

How and when was Jeremiah

called to the prophetic office? Jer.

1:4-10.

NorE.—A prophet is one who speaks for

God. In the first chapter of his book,

Jeremiah presents as the credentials of his

prophetic office the account of his divine

call. "This vocation was his, not by human

choice, but by virtue of a direct commission

from God. The deep sense of the divine

call was the driving force of his ministry

and his support and stay in moments of

discouragement against the hostility of his

people."—S.DA.

Bible Commentary

on Jer.

1:4.

Ellen G. White wrote concerning her call

in her youth to serve as God's messenger to

His people: "My Saviour declared me to be

His messenger. 'Your work,' He instructed

me, 'is to bear My word. Strange things

will arise, and in your youth I set you apart

to bear the message to the erring ones, to

carry the word before unbelievers, and with

pen and voice to reprove from the word

actions that are not right.'

"—Selected Mes-

sages,

b. 1, p. 32.

Prophets Through the Ages

How early in history was the

prophetic gift manifested? Luke 1:70.

NoTE.—"It is the voice of Christ that

speaks through patriarchs and prophets,

from the days of Adam even to the closing

scenes of time."—The

Desire of Ages,

page

799.

According to the Scripture rec-

ord, what patriarch was first en-

dowed with the prophetic gift? Jude

14, 15.

NoTE.—"Enoch was the first prophet

among mankind. He foretold by prophecy

the second coming of Christ to our world,

and His work at that time. His life was a

specimen of Christian consistency. Holy

lips alone should speak forth the words of

God in denunciation and judgments. His

prophecy is not found in the writings of

the Old Testament. We may never find

any books which relate to the works of

Enoch, but Jude, a prophet of God, men-

tions the work of Enoch."—Ellen G. White

Comments, in

S.D.A. Bible Commentary,

vol.

1, p. 1088.

What is said concerning the

word of the Lord in the days of Sam-

uel? 1 Sam. 3:1.

NoTE.—The Revised Standard Version

reads: "And the word of the Lord was rare

in those days; there was no frequent

vision."

That the words "no open vision" do not

indicate a complete cessation of prophetic

utterance at that time is evident from the

fact that they are immediately preceded by

a solemn message delivered to Eli from the

"Lord God of Israel," through a "man of

God." 1 Sam. 2:27-36.

How was Elisha called to the

prophetic office? 1 Kings 19:15, 16,

19-21.

NoTE.—Usually the call of God to the

prophet was direct, as in the experience of

Jeremiah and Amos. In the case of Elisha,

God made His choice known to the prophet

Elijah, and he was bidden to convey the

message to his successor, whom he found

faithfully discharging his daily tasks.

What gift did God entrust to

Daniel? Dan. 1:17, last part.

NOTE.—"God has said, 'Them that honor

Me I will honor' (1 Sam. 2:30). While

Daniel clung to his God with unwavering

trust, the Spirit of prophetic power came

upon him. While he was instructed of man

in the duties of court life, he was taught

of God to read the mysteries of future ages

and to present to coming generations,

through figures and similitudes, the won-

derful things that would come to pass in

the last days."—Ellen G. White,

The Sancti-

fied Life,

1956 ed., p. 24.

By whom was the prophetic gift

exercised in early New Testament

times? Luke 2:25-38. Compare Luke

1:41-55, 67-79.

NoTE.—Anna and Simeon had the gift of

prophecy. Jesus pointed to John the Bap-

tist as one of the greatest of the prophets.

Luke 7:28. Christ referred to Himself as a

prophet. Matt. 13:53-57. He fulfilled the

prophecy of Deuteronomy 18:15. Paul

(2 Cor. 12:1-5), and John (Rev. 1:10),

were prophets. Both indicated that the tes-

timony of Jesus or the gift of prophecy

would be seen in the church that awaited

the return of Christ, thus suggesting the

divine purpose that the gift of prophecy

should remain in the Christian church till

the close of time. 1 Cor. 1:4-7; Rev. 12:17;

19:10.

How does Paul describe the man-

ner in which he received certain di-

vine revelations? 2 Cor. 12:1-4.

NoTE.—"The apostle Paul early in his

Christian experience was given special op-

portunities to learn the will of God con-

cerning the followers of Jesus. He was

`caught up to the third heaven,' into para-

dise, and heard unspeakable words, which

it is not lawful for

a man

to utter.' He

himself acknowledged that many 'visions

and revelations' had been given him 'of the

Lord.' His understanding of the principles

of gospel truth was equal to that of 'the

very chiefest apostles.' . . .

"The impression that he received when in

vision was ever with him, enabling him to

give a correct representation of Christian

character. By word of mouth and by letter

he bore a message that ever since has

brought help and strength to the church of

God."—The Acts of the Apostles,

pages

469, 470.

10.

What description of Elijah in-

dicates that the call to the prophetic

office does not remove the prophet

above and away from his human char-

acteristics? James 5:17. Compare

2 Cor. 4:5-7.

NoTE.—Prophets are human beings, and

God only is infallible. True, God calls the

prophet to reveal the divine message, but

the prophet is a member of the human fam-

ily still, possessing human faculties and

frailties. Through vision he receives heav-

enly instruction and of this he faithfully

bears testimony, guided by the Spirit of

God. Thus he becomes a channel of heav-

enly communication, and his message is an

inspired message. Naturally, the instruction

received exerts a positive influence on his

life. But, holy man that he is, he is not

deprived of thinking ordinary thoughts or

of conversing on topics of everyday inter-

est. He may have strong home ties. He

continues to be a normal individual, en-

gaging in human activities, perhaps in his

181

community. He may make mistakes, as did

Peter, the inspired apostle. See Gal. 2:

11-14. But this does not invalidate the

divine message he bears for God. In our

day, Ellen G. White lived an exemplary

life. To this fact all who were acquainted

with her bear witness; but said she: "In

regard to infallibility, I never claimed it;

God alone is

infallible."—Selected Mes-

sages, vol.

1, p. 37.

11. Desirous of learning God's will

for Judah, of whom did Hilkiah the

priest and his associates seek counsel?

2 Kings 22 :12 -14.

Nom—Commenting on this text, Joseph

Priestly remarks: " 'It pleased God to dis-

tinguish several women with the spirit of

prophecy, as well as other great attain-

ments, to show that, in His sight, and

especially in things of a spiritual nature,

there is no essential pre-eminence in the

male

sex.'"—Notes on All the Books of

the Scripture,

vol. 2, p. 40.

12. How were the prophets often

treated? Matt. 23:29-31; Acts 7:52.

NoTE.—The life of the prophet was not

an easy one. Often he was called upon to

deliver messages of reproof or correction.

Such messages were never pleasant, and at

times led to a spirit or retaliation and re-

venge. The prophet must bear his message

fearlessly, regardless of the outcome. Early

in her experience Mrs. White was con-

fronted with an adverse reception of a

message of reproof. When instructed as to

her duty she was told: "The loss is not

yours, but mine. God sees not as man sees.

He lays out the work that He would have

done, and you do not know which will

prosper, this or

that.'"—Testimonies, vol.

5, p. 658.

Thought Questions:

(1) Can you think

of reasons why the prophetic voice has

been heard in modern times? (2) What at-

titude to the prophetic message do you

assume?

Lesson 3, for April 21, 1962

The Broad Scope of the Prophet's Work

MEMORY VERSE:

"And by a prophet the Lord brought Israel out of Egypt, and by

a prophet was he preserved." Hosea 12:13.

STUDY HELPS:

"Selected Messages," b. 1, pp. 33, 34; "Education," pages 45-50;

"S.D.A. Bible Commentary."

LESSON AIM:

To show that the prophets generally were entrusted with a broad

work that included more than foretelling future events.

THE LESSON

Introduction

From a study of the life and work of

the Bible prophets, you will observe the

broad scope of their spiritual activities. Be-

yond the immediate and special functions

of receiving visions and imparting light in

sermons or written messages these inspired

men and women spelled out by precept and

example the high destiny of the church in

holy living and witnessing. Elisha was

a reformer and an educator. Nathan and

John the Baptist were reprovers of sin.

Isaiah was a counselor; Paul and Peter,

evangelists and pastors; Ezekiel, a shepherd

of God's flock. Ellen G. White wrote: "My

work has covered so many lines that I can-

not call myself other than a messenger,

sent to bear a message from the Lord to

His people, and to take up work in any line

that He points

out."—Selected Messages,

b. 1, p. 34.

[

]

Many Phases of Endeavor

What does God reveal to His

servants the prophets? Amos 3:7.

NOTE.—The foretelling of future events is

included in the opening up of God's "secrets."

The prophet, however, is more than a

fore-

caster.

He speaks

for

God as His represent-

ative, and he speaks

forth

the words of the

Lord as God's messenger. In each case,

God's prophet opens up the "secrets" of the

divine mind and will to the inquiring mind

of man, imparting knowledge and guidance

essential to his well-being.

What was Moses' work as Israel's

prophet? Hosea 12:13.

NorE.—Moses made few predictions re-

garding the future, but he was "a prophet,"

used of God to lead Israel and to protect

them from Satan's deceptions and from

their enemies. Not all who were called to

the prophetic office did the same type of

work. John the Baptist performed no

miracles, but he was sent to prepare the way

of the Lord. Jesus declared that John was

a prophet, and that "there hath not risen a

greater than John the Baptist." Matt. 11:

9, 11. Samuel's work was largely one of

spiritual guidance.

The Example of Moses

What was the first great truth

revealed in Moses' writings? Gen. 1:1.

Nors.—"The preparation of the written

word began in the time of Moses. Inspired

revelations were then embodied in an in-

spired book. This work continued during

the long period of sixteen hundred years—

from Moses, the historian of creation and

the law, to

John."—The Great Controversy,

Introduction, page

From what source did Moses re-

ceive the various statutes and precepts

given to the children

Israel? Deut.

4a,

2, 5.

NorE.—"Moses was oonunanded to write,

as God should bid him, judgments and laws

giving minute instruction as to what was

required. These directions relating to the

duty of the people to God, to one another,

and to the stranger were only the principles

of the Ten Commandments amplified and

given in a specific manner, that none need

err."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 364.

5. In what law did the prophet pre-

sent instruction to ensure the well-

being of God's chosen people? Mal.

4:4.

NorE.—In the law given to Moses, God

outlined in minute detail many moral re-

sponsibilities as well as civil obligations of

the people.

"In the teaching that God gave to Israel,

the preservation of health received careful

attention. .. . Health principles were taught

and sanitary laws enforced."—The

Ministry

of Healing,

page 277.

Certain areas of guidance were clear and

comprehensive, and among them emphasis

was laid upon:

Cleanliness of person, attire, and dwell-

ing in relation to disease. Deut. 23:14; Lev.

15:1-12; 14:44-48.

Proper diet. Lev. 20:24, 25.

Mental outlook. Deut. 16:11; 26:11.

"Had the Israelites obeyed the instruction

they received, and profited by their advan-

tages, they would have been the world's

object lesson of health and prosperity. If as

a people they had lived according to God's

plan, they would have been preserved from

the diseases that afflicted other nations.

Above any other people they would have

possessed physical strength and vigor of

intellect."

"The Israelites failed of fulfilling God's

purpose, and thus failed of receiving the

blessings that might have been theirs. But

in Joseph and Daniel, in Moses and Elisha,

and many others, we have noble examples

of the results of the true plan of living. Like

faithfulness today will produce like results."

—The Ministry of Healing,

pages 283, 285.

6. Before Moses died, what view of

the Promised Land was given to him?

Deut. 34:1-5.

NorE.—Moses was wrapped in prophetic

vision, in a manner common to God's

prophets in all ages. Scenes of the past and

future were unfolded before Israel's leader,

as if he were actually an eyewitness to the

events.

"Every part of the country was spread

out before him, not faint and uncertain in

the dim distance, but standing out clear,

distinct, and beautiful to his delighted

vision. In this scene it was presented, not as

it then appeared, but as it would become,

with God's blessing upon it, in the posses-

sion of Israel. He seemed to be looking

upon a second

Eden."—Patriarchs and

Prophets,

page 472.

What was shown to Moses was vividly

described by one to whom similar views

were given. See

Patriarchs and Prophets,

pages 475-477.

Instruction, and Reproof of Sin

What Old Testament incident re-

veals the prophet as an educator, liv-

ing and working with his students?

2 Kings 6:1-3.

NcrrE.—"The schools of the prophets were

founded by Samuel to serve as a barrier

against the widespread corruption, to pro-

vide for the moral and spiritual welfare of

the youth, and to promote the future pros-

perity of the nation by furnishing it with

men qualified to act in the fear of God as

leaders and counselors. In the accomplish-

ment of this object Samuel gathered

companies of young men who were pious,

intelligent, and studious. These were called

the sons of the prophets."—Patriarchs

and

Prophets,

page 593.

"The schools of the prophets, established

by Samuel, had fallen into decay during the

years of Israel's apostasy. Elijah re-estab-

lished these schools, making provision for

young men to gain an education that would

lead them to magnify the law and make it

honorable."—Prophets

and Kings,

page 224.

What is a difficult yet most im-

portant feature of the prophet's work?

Jer. 1:17-19; Ezek. 2:3-8.

NOTE.—"He sent His prophets to warn

the guilty, denounce their sins, and pro-

nounce judgment upon them. . . . In His

providence the Lord has seen fit to teach

and warn His people in various ways. By

direct command, by the Sacred Writings,

and by the spirit of prophecy has He made

known unto them His will. My work has

been to speak plainly of the faults and er-

rors of God's people. . . . But I have been

shown that it is not mine to choose my

work, but humbly to obey the will of God."

—Testimonies,

vol. 4, pp. 12, 13.

In what role was the prophet

frequently cast? Jer. 29:19; 32:33.

NorE.—The prophets acted as guides and

teachers of the people in doctrine and right

living, though often their work was frowned

upon by the careless and guilty. The proph-

et's voice was God's call to higher, holier

living.

10.

How did Zechariah endorse and

simplify the messages of "former

prophets"? Why was this necessary?

Zech. 1:3-6; 7:7-14. Compare 1 Cor.

14:37.

NorE.—The prophetic writings show a

remarkable agreement, each of the prophets

being under the control of the Spirit of

God. In Bible times, contemporary proph-

ets studied what the former prophets had

written. Dan. 9:2. In the Ellen G. White

writings the messages of the Bible prophets

are magnified so that the beauty of truth

stands out.

"The

Testimonies

are not to belittle the

word of God, but to exalt it and attract

minds to it, that the beautiful simplicity of

truth may impress

all."—Testimonies, vol.

5, p. 665.

Preparation of Men and Women

to Meet God

11.

What helpful lesson concerning

prophetic guidance is taught by a

simple Old Testament experience?

1 Sam. 9:1-10, 18-20.

11.

NOTE.—Saul and his servant, not finding

the objects of their search, recognized that

God was mindful of their problem. They

sought out Samuel, His messenger, for di-

rection. They received the answer before

asking their questions. In God's word and

in the counsels of the spirit of prophecy

we may find messages which point the way.

"There is instruction that the Lord has

given me for His people. It is light that

they should have, line upon line, and pre-

cept upon precept, here a little and there a

little. This is now to come before the peo-

ple, because it has been given to correct

specious errors and to specify what is

truth. The Lord has revealed many things

pointing out the truth, thus saying, This is

the way, walk ye in it."—Ellen G. White

(Letter 117, 1910), quoted in

Messenger to

the Remnant,

page 82, by Arthur

White.

12.

What message of hope did Isa-

iah give? Isa. 40:1, 2.

13.

What appealing message may

be considered as summing up the over-

all objective of the messages of the

prophets? Amos 4:12, last part.

NorE.—"Prepare to meet thy God" is

the consuming burden of the messages of

the prophets through all time. The first

Testimony pamplet published in 1855-closed

with an article entitled, "Prepare to Meet

the Lord."

Testimonies, vol.

1, pp. 123-126.

the last article in the last volume of the

Testimonies,

published fifty-four years later,

in 1909, the same pen urges:

"My brother, my sister, I urge you to

prepare for the coming of Christ in the

clouds of heaven. Day by day cast the

love of the world out of your hearts. Under-

stand by experience what it means to have

fellowship with Christ. Prepare for the

judgment, that when Christ shall come, to

be admired in all them that believe, you may

be among those who will meet Him in

peace."—Testimonies,

vol. 9, p. 285.

Thought Questions:

(1) What phase of

the prophet's work is most important?

(2) How have the prophets influenced us

most?

Lesson 4, for April 28, 1962

The Prophetic Vision

MEMORY VERSE: "I

have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied

visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets." Hosea 12:10.

STUDY HELPS:

"Early Writings," pages 13-20; "Testimonies," vol.

1, pp.

58-61,

21-35; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."

LESSON AIM:

To show that (1) God uses visions and prophetic dreams to speak to

the prophets; (2) physical phenomena sometimes attend the visions and

help to substantiate faith; (3) there are varieties in modes of revelation, but

the message is of the same divine origin.

THE LESSON

and in divers manners spake in times past

unto the fathers by the prophets," take on

special significance.

The

S.D.A. Bible Dictionary

defines the

prophetic "vision" as follows: "A super-

natural means by which God communicates

His will to His servants the prophets (Is

1:1; etc)



A vision may come in wak-

Introduction

God spoke to the prophet through visions.

No one rule can be laid down concerning

the manner in which the visions were given,

nor the way in which the light was con-

veyed to the prophet. The words of He-

brews 1:1, that "God, who at sundry times

ing moments (Dan 10:7; Acts 9:3, 7), by

day (Acts 10:3) or night (Gen 46:2), or it

may come as a dream (Num 12:6). The

Bible makes no sharp distinction between

visions and dreams, except possibly that

dreams come during hours of slumber. In

vision the prophet becomes oblivious of his

natural surroundings and the Spirit of God

so controls the sensory areas of his brain

that the prophet seems literally to see, hear,

and feel what is presented to him in vision.

A vision may contain instruction for God's

people, or reveal facts about the future that

will enable God's people to live more intel-

ligently in the present. In vision the

prophet sometimes seems to be transported

over considerable distances (see Eze 3:

12-15; 8:3; 40:2; cf. 2 Cor 12:2-4)."--

Art. "Vision," pp. 1134, 1135.

Throughout Ellen G. White's long minis-

try of seventy years (1845-1915) revelations

came to her in visions of the day and vi-

sions of the night. The light thus communi-

cated to her by God she embodied in her

oral addresses and in numerous periodical

articles, hundreds of personal, written testi-

monies, and in her many published books.

Prophetic Revelation of Divine

Origin

1. In general, how did God com-

municate His messages to the proph-

ets? Num. 12:6. Compare Gen. 15:1;

Ezek. 8:3, 4.

NoTE.—"The Lord God speaking to

Aaron and Miriam from the pillar of cloud,

says, 'Hear now My words: If there be a

prophet among you, I the Lord will make

Myself known unto him in a vision, and

will speak unto him in a dream.'

"This then is the manner in which the

Lord spoke through the prophets. By the

power of His Spirit he takes complete pos-

session of the mind, impressing upon its

tablets those things which He is pleased to

reveal. Then when restored to the natural

state, the chosen person could speak or

write out those words of instruction for

others' benefit. Events passed before the

mind in vision like a moving panorama.

These in the normal state brought up again

by the aid of the Spirit of God are con-

veyed to others."—George I. Butler,

Review

and Herald,

May 12, 1874.

Some Visions Accompanied by

Physical Phenomena

How did Daniel describe his ex-

perience in connection with one of

his visions? Dan. 10:7, 8, 15-18.

How is the experience of another

prophet described? Num. 24:2-4.

NOTE.—"Literally, 'falling down and his

eyes uncovered.' The words 'into a trance'

are supplied. The meaning seems to be that

he fell down on his face on the ground, but

that his eyes remained open. . . . Compare

the experience of Saul (1 Sam. 19:23, 24), of

Ezekiel (Eze. 1:28), of Daniel (Dan. 8:17,

18; 10:8-19), of John (Rev. 1:17). . . . It

is certainly true that in whatever position

his body may have been, whether prostrate

or upright, his natural senses were held in-

operative and his sensory perception was

controlled by the Spirit of God."—S.D.A.

Bible Commentary,

on Num. 24:4.

Balaam, once a loyal prophet of God, had

apostatized. Because of his high profession

as a servant of the Lord, Balaam would

look upon the message he bore as a message

from God. Therefore the Lord manifested

Himself to Balaam as He would to the

prophet walking consistently in the way of

the Lord. See

Patriarchs and Prophets,

pages 439, 440.

How does Paul describe his ex-

perience while in one of his visions?

2 Cor. 12:1, 2.

Describe Ellen G. White's expe-

rience while in open vision during the

early years of her prophetic ministry.

Answer:

There were many who witnessed

Mrs. White in vision. One, G. I. Butler,

president of the General Conference while

Mrs. White was in mid-life, in a series of

articles for the

Review and Herald

reported

as follows:

"They [the visions] generally, but not

always, occur in the midst of earnest sea-

[

13]

sons of religious interest while the Spirit of

God is specially present, as those can tell

who are in attendance. The time Mrs.

White is in this condition has varied from

fifteen minutes to one hundred and eighty.

During this time the heart and pulse con-

tinue to beat, the eyes are always wide open,

and seem to be gazing at some far-distant

object, and are never fixed on any person

or thing in the room. They are always

directed upward. They exhibit a pleasant

expression. There is no ghastly look or any

resemblance of fainting. . . .

"While she is in vision, her breathing en-

tirely ceases. No breath ever escapes her

nostrils or lips when in this condition. This

has been proved by many witnesses, among

them physicians of skill, and themselves

unbelievers in the visions, on some occa-

sions being appointed by a public congre-

gation for the purpose. . . . When she goes

into this condition, there is no appearance

of swooning or faintness, her face retains

its natural color, and the blood circulates

as usual. Often she loses her strength tem-

porarily and reclines or sits; but at other

times she stands up. She moves her arms

gracefully, and often her face is lighted up

with radiance as though the glory of heaven

rested upon her. She is utterly unconscious

of everything going on around her while

she is in vision, having no knowledge what-

ever of what is said and done in her pres-

ence."—Review and Herald,

June 9, 1874.

6. What purpose was served by the

physical phenomena in connection

with the visions of Mrs. White?

Answer:

"These messages were thus given

to substantiate the faith of all, that in these

last days we might have confidence in the

spirit of prophecy."—Ellen G. White,

Re-

view and Herald,

June 14, 1906.

Neither in the Bible nor in the writings

of Ellen G. White do we find the physical

phenomena cited as a test. It was an

evidence—one among many—and to those

who were eyewitnesses of Mrs. White in

vision the experience was unforgettable and

inspired faith and built confidence in the

gift. In the earlier years of her experience

the visions were frequently accompanied

by physical phenomena. In the later years,

God spoke to His servant in the silent vi-

sions of the night season.

Night Visions or Prophetic Dreams

During what hours did Daniel

receive the vision described in Daniel

7? Dan. 7:1, 2, 13.

NOTE.—Often while the prophet slept,

and his mind was free from what went on

about him, God communicated in a pro-

phetic dream or vision of the night. "It does

not seem possible to draw any very precise

distinction between the prophetic 'dream'

and the prophetic 'vision! In the case of

Abraham (Gen. 15:1) and of Daniel (Dan.

7:1), they seem to melt into each other."

—McClintock and Strong,

Cyclopaedia of

Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Lit-

erature,

vol. 8, art. "Prophet," p. 646.

G. I. Butler observed that "when the

Spirit . . . takes possession of the [proph-

et's] mind during one's waking hours, it is

called a vision. When during one's sleeping

hours, a

dream."—Review and Herald,

May

12, 1874.

Name another prophet who re-

ceived visions at night. Acts 16:9.

Compare Gen. 46:2-4.

NoTE.—"The visions of the night" were

not equated by the prophets with ordinary

dreams of ordinary persons, nor must we so

confuse them. Wrote Ellen G. White:

"There are many dreams arising from the

common things of life with which the Spirit

of God has nothing to do. 'There are also

false dreams, as well as false visions, which

are inspired by the spirit of Satan. But

dreams from the Lord are classed in the

word of God with visions and are as truly

the fruits of the spirit of prophecy as

visions. Such dreams, taking into the ac-

count the persons who have them, and the

circumstances under which they are given,

contain their own proofs of their genuine-

ness."L—Testimonies, vol. 5,

p. 658.

How the Light Came to the Prophet

How did the Lord in prophetic

vision reveal to Ezekiel truths con-

cerning the restored temple? Ezek.

40:2-4.

[14]

NoTE.—"In both dream and vision what

carried religious significance was the fact

that the presentation did not come through

the ordinary sense channels, or as a prod-

uct of the mind's conscious activity. On

this account it was accepted as a revelation

from God.... The result is sometimes pre-

sented

as if it had come to the prophet in

a manner analogous to sense experience,—

the prophet sees, hears questions, replies."

—James Hastings, ed.,

Dictionary of the

Bible,

art. "Vision," vol. 4, p. 871.

10.

In what form were messages

imparted to Zechariah? Zech. 1:8-10;

4:1-7. To John the revelator? Rev.

1:10-20. Compare Revelation 12.

NOTE.—In symbols many facets of truth

could be imparted in a brief representation.

The word of God abounds in symbolic rep-

resentations. To the mind of Ellen G. White

there were often opened by symbols or

figures events of consequence and meaning

to the church. For example, the growth of

modern spiritualism was shown to her as a

fast-moving train plunging ahead with

"lightning speed to perdition." It seemed to

her that "the whole world was on board."

See

Early Writings,

page 263. Sometimes

the symbolic would blend into the real. See

her first vision in

Early Writings,

pages

13-20, or

Testimonies, vol.

1, pp. 58-61.

11.

To what point was Ezekiel on

one occasion conveyed in vision?

Ezek. 8:1-12.

NoTE.—Frequently in Mrs. White's ex-

perience she seemed to be taken to some

distant place where she saw and heard

what was occurring. While in Moss, Nor-

way, in 1887, she seemed to be at the Saint

Helena Sanitarium in California and wit-

nessed what took place as the guests settled

their accounts.

Counsels on Health,

pages 412, 413,

she describes a seeming visit to the Battle

Creek Sanitarium where she saw how the

work was done and heard the conversation

of the helpers.

On the night of April 16, 1906, she seemed

to be on an eminence and viewed the great

San Francisco earthquake of that same

year. Read her vivid description in

Testi-

monies,

vol. 9, pp. 92, 93.

12.

What answer did Mrs. White

give to inquiries concerning her vi-

sions and her state while in vision?

Answer:

"As inquiries are frequently

made as to my state in vision, and after I

come out, I would say that when the Lord

sees fit to give a vision, I am taken into the

presence of Jesus and angels, and am en-

tirely lost to earthly things. I can see no

farther than the angel directs me. My at-

tention is often directed to scenes tran-

spiring upon earth.

"At times I am carried far ahead into

the future and shown what is to take place.

Then again I am shown things as they have

occurred in the

past."—Spiritual Gifts,

vol.

2, p. 292;

Selected Messages,

b. 1, p. 36.

NoTE.—In her introduction to the book

The Great Controversy,

Mrs. White makes

allusion to the manner in which the light

therein revealed came to her:

"Through the illumination of the Holy

Spirit, the scenes of the long-continued

conflict between good and evil have been

opened to the writer of these pages. From

time to time I have been permitted to be-

hold the working, in different ages, of the

great controversy between Christ, the Prince

of life, the Author of our salvation, and

Satan, the prince of evil, the author of sin,

the first transgressor of God's holy law."—

Introduction, page x. See also page xi.

As she wrote of her views of the second

coming of Christ she declared: "Scenes of

such thrilling, solemn interest passed before

me as no language is adequate to describe.

It was all a living reality to

me."—Selected

Messages,

b. 1, p. 76.

Thought Questions: (1)

Why cannot

physical phenomena be considered a con-

clusive test of a prophet? (2) What tests

of a prophet's work can you think of?

You need the Sabbath school

and the Sabbath school needs

you.

[ 15

Lesson 5, for May 5, 1962

The Prophet Delivers God's Message

MEMORY VERSE: "I

was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a

great voice, as of a trumpet, saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the

last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven

churches." Rev.

1:10,

11, first part.

STUDY HELPS:

"Selected Messages,"

b. 1, pp.

49-58; "Testimonies," vol. 5, pp.

654-660; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."

LESSON AIM:

To show that the prophet was a spokesman for God who bore oral

and written testimony of what had been revealed to him in vision.

THE LESSON

3. What were prophets at times

bidden to do with the messages they

received? Isa.

30:8; Jer. 36:2; Rev.

21:1, 2,

Introduction

Through the vision the prophet's mind

was enlightened. When not in vision, but

still aided by the Spirit of God, he pre-

sented to others orally or in writing what he

saw and heard and the instruction he re-

ceived. This he did in the best language at

his command, and on different occasions

employed different words in describing the

same vision. Words were merely a means

by which the message was conveyed.

The Testimony of the Prophet

What command came to the

youthful prophet Jeremiah regarding

the message God would impart to

him? Jer. 1:17. See also Ezek. 11:25.

NoTE.—The prophet is charged by God to

deliver to the people the messages which

He has communicated. The prophet must

bear a careful and undiluted testimony of

all that God has revealed to him.

What

was

one means by which

the prophets delivered the prophetic

message to the people? Jer. 26:2, 4,

first part; Zech. 1:3. Compare 1 Kings

11:29-40.

Nom—Through the spoken word the

prophet conveyed the message of the Lord

in a discourse before a company of people

or in personal testimony by private inter-

views.

NoTE.—Concerning her experience Ellen

White has written: "Early in my public

labors I was bidden by the Lord, 'Write,

write the things that are revealed to you.'

At the time this message came to me, I

could not hold my hand steady. My physi-

cal condition made it impossible for me to

write. But again came the word, 'Write

the things that are revealed to you.' I

obeyed; and as the result it was not long

before I could write page after page with

comparative ease. Who told me what to

write? Who steadied my right hand, and

made it possible for me to use a

pen?—

It was the

Lord."—Review and Herald,

June 14, 1906.

4. How was a message often con-

veyed to an individual or church?

Col. 4:16; 2 Thess. 3:14, 17. Compare

2 Chron. 21:12-14.

NOTE.—The messages entrusted to Mrs.

White were written out by her and often

conveyed by testimony letters. Literally

thousands of such communications were

mailed from her home through the years.

Of this she says: "In these letters which I

write, in the testimonies I bear, I am pre-

senting to you that which the Lord has

presented to

me."—Testimonies, vol. 5,

P. 67.

[16

]

At times what help did the

prophets employ? Jer. 36:4, 17, 18;

Rom. 16:22.

NOTE.—Baruch aided Jeremiah. Paul im-

plies that some of his messages were dic-

tated. Mrs. White painstakingly wrote out

her messages, but employed good secretarial

help, which relieved her of detailed copy

work. Of this she has written:

"While my husband lived, he acted as

a helper and counselor in the sending out

of the messages that were given to me. We

traveled extensively. Sometimes light would

be given to me in the night season, some-

times in the daytime before large congrega-

tions. The instruction I received in vision

was faithfully written out by me, as I had

time and strength for the work. After-

ward we examined the matter together, my

husband correcting grammatical errors and

eliminating needless repetition. Then it was

carefully copied for the persons addressed,

or for the printer.

"As the work grew, others assisted me in

the preparation of matter for publication.

After my husband's death, faithful helpers

joined me, who labored untiringly in the

work of copying the testimonies and pre-

paring articles for publication.

"But the reports that are circulated, that

any of my helpers are permitted to add

matter or change the meaning of the mes-

sages I write out, are not

true."—Selected

Messages,

b. 1, p. 50.

Divine Messages in Human

Language

What instructions were given to

Ezekiel in connection with his vision

of the temple? Ezek. 40:4.

NoTE.—"The man" whom Ezekiel saw in

his vision instructed the prophet to set his

heart upon all that God would show him

that he might accurately "declare" all that

he saw to "the house of Israel." The revela-

tion of truth was the Lord's. The language

of the prophet describing the vision was the

language of man. The prophetic descrip-

tions of Ezekiel, Daniel, Revelation, etc.,

were written in the prophet's own words.

Thus the divine message reached mankind

in language he could understand.

Through which of his senses did

the apostle John, while in vision, re-

ceive information and instruction?

Rev. 1:10, 11.

NoTE.—John was instructed to write

what

saw. "In the case of visions the

scenery passed before their [the prophets']

mind, something like a panoramic view of

a landscape, gradually unfolding, in symbol-

ical imagery, forms of glory or of gloom;

accompanied with actions of a corresponding

character, not unfrequently exhibiting, as

in actual occurrence, the future and distant

events."—McClintock and Strong,

Cyclo-

paedia of Biblical, Theological, and Eccle-

siastical Literature,

vol. 8, art. "Prophet,"

p. 648.

"The Bible points to God as its author;

yet it was written by human hands; and in

the varied style of its different books it pre-

sents the characteristics of the several writ-

ers. The truths revealed are all 'given by

inspiration of God' (2 Timothy 3:16) ; yet

they are expressed in the words of men.

The Infinite One by His Holy Spirit has

shed light into the minds and hearts of His

servants. He has given dreams and visions,

symbols and figures; and those to whom

the truth was thus revealed have themselves

embodied the thought in human language.

"The Ten Commandments were spoken

by God Himself, and were written by His

own hand. They are of divine, and not of

human composition. But the Bible, with

its God-given truths expressed in the lan-

guage of men, presents a union of the divine

and the human."—The

Great Controversy,

Introduction, pages v, vi.

Concerning her own experience, Mrs.

White has recorded: "Although I am as

dependent upon the Spirit of the Lord in

writing my views as I am in receiving them,

yet the words I employ in describing what

I have seen are my own, unless they be

those spoken to me by an angel, which I

always enclose in marks of quotation."—

Selected Messages,

b. 1, p. 37.

At the General Conference session of

1883 an action taken set forth this concept

in the following words: "We believe the

light given by God to His servants is by

the enlightenment of the mind, thus im-

parting the thoughts, and not (except in

rare cases) the very words in which the

ideas should be expressed."—Review

and

Herald,

Nov. 27, 1883.

[17]

8. What prompted the apostle Paul

to write his letter, known as 1 Corin-

thians, to the church at Corinth?

1 Cor. 1:11.

NorE.—"Paul was an inspired apostle,

yet the Lord did not reveal to him at all

times just the condition of His people.

Those who were interested in the prosperity

of the church, and saw evils creeping in,

presented the matter before him, and from

the light which he had previously received

he was prepared to judge of the true char-

acter of these developments. Because the

Lord had not given him a new revelation

for that special time, those who were really

seeking light did not cast his message

aside as only a common letter. No, indeed.

The Lord had shown him the difficulties

and dangers which would arise in the

churches, that when they should develop

he might know just how to treat them. . . .

"The reproof he sent them was written

just as much under the inspiration of the

Spirit of God as were any of his epistles."

—Testimonies, vol.

5, pp. 65, 66.

Personal Testimonies of the

Prophets

9. In what way was God's message

of rebuke delivered to

King

David?

2 Sam. 12:1-7.

Nam—God through Nathan rebuked

David as John the Baptist rebuked Herod

for taking Herodias, his brother Philip's

wife. A man of God also rebuked Jero-

boam, king of Israel, for his idolatrous

practices. These testimonies of the prophets

recorded in the Scriptures are for our ad-

monition upon whom the ends of the world

are come.

Similarly, personal testimonies written

over a period of years by the messenger to

the remnant church have been compiled

into nine volumes, so that

all

might benefit

by the prophetic messages sent to a few.

"Since the warning and instruction given

in testimony for individual cases applied

with equal force to many others who had

not been specially pointed out in this man-

ner, it seemed to be my duty to publish the

personal testimonies for the benefit of the

church. In "Testimony 15"

[Testimonies,

vol. 2,

p. 91, speaking of the necessity for do-

ing this, I said: `I know of no better way to

present my views of general dangers and

errors, and the duty of all who love God

and keep His commandments, than by

giving these testimonies. Perhaps there is

no more direct and forcible way of present-

ing what the Lord has shown me.' . . . In

rebuking the wrongs of one, He designs to

correct

many."—Testimonies, vol.

5, pp.

658, 659.

10.

In what firm manner did Peter

bear testimony to a deceived believer?

Acts 8:18-23.

NOTE

.—"In a view given me about

twenty years ago, `I was then directed to

bring out general principles, in speaking

and in writing, and at the same time specify

the dangers, errors, and sins of some indi-

viduals, that all might be warned, reproved,

and counseled. I saw that all should search

their own hearts and lives closely to see if

they had not made the same mistakes for

which others were corrected and if the

warnings given for others did not apply to

their own cases. If so, they should feel

that the counsel and reproofs were given

especially for them and should make as

practical an application of them as though

they were especially addressed to them-

selves.'"—Testimonies, vol.

5, p. 660.

11.

Upon what divine power was

the agent of prophecy dependent?

2 Peter 1:20, 21.

NorE.—In answering a question in 1860

concerning the visions, Mrs. White reveals

to what extent she is dependent upon the

aid of the Spirit of God in delivering the

messages:

"After I come out of vision I do not at

once remember all that I have seen, and the

matter is not so clear before me until I

write, then the scene rises before me as was

presented in vision, and I can write with

freedom. Sometimes the things which I

have seen are hid from me after I come out

of vision, and I cannot call them to mind

until I am brought before a company where

that vision applies, then the things which I

I 18

have seen come to my mind with force. I

am just as dependent upon the Spirit of

the Lord in relating or writing a vision, as

in having the vision. It is impossible for

me to call up things which have been shown

me unless the Lord brings them before me

at the time that He is pleased to have me

relate or write

them."—Spiritual Gifts

(1860), vol. 2, pp. 292, 293;

Selected Mes-

sages,

b. 1, pp. 36, 37.

A Messenger From God

12.

With what solemn words were

the prophets at times enjoined to be

faithful in delivering God's messages?

Jer. 26:2; Ezek. 2:5-7.

13.

Whom did Israel reject when

they asked Samuel for a king? 1 Sam.

8:1-10.

NoTE.—When the people of God walked

contrary to the guidance of His chosen

representatives they offended God. Wrote

Ellen White:

"I saw the state of some who stood on

present truth, but disregarded the visions

—the way God had chosen to teach in

some cases, those who erred from Bible

truth. I saw that in striking against the

visions they did not strike against the worm

—the feeble instrument that God spake

through—but against the Holy Ghost. I

saw it was a small thing to speak against

the instrument, but it was dangerous to

slight the words of God. I saw if they

were in error and God chose to show them

their errors through visions, and they

disregarded the teachings of God through

visions, they would be left to take their

own way, and run in the way of error, and

think they were right, until they would find

it out too late. Then in the time of trouble

I heard them cry to God in agony, 'Why

didst Thou not show us our wrong, that we

might have got right and been ready for

this time?' Then an angel pointed to them

and said, 'My Father taught, but you would

not be taught. He spoke through visions,

but you disregarded His voice, and He

gave you up to your own ways, to be filled

with your own

doings.' "—Selected Mes-

sages,

b. 1, p. 40.

Thought Questions:

(1) Have you ever

read anything in the Bible or in the

Testi-

monies for the Church

that seemed to have

been written just for you? (2) When such

messages were in the nature of a reproof,

did you regard them as equally inspired

with the gracious promises?

Lesson 6, for May 12, 1962

Testing the Claims of the Prophet

MEMORY VERSE:

"Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which

is good." 1 Thess. 5:20,

21.

STUDY HELPS:

"Testimonies," vol. 5, pp. 671-676; "Selecte"d Messages," b. 2,

pp. 63-100; A. G. Daniells, "The Abiding Gift of Prophecy," pages 277-307;

"S.D.A. Bible Commentary."

LESSON AIM:

To show how (1) to test the work of an individual who claims the

gift of prophecy, and (2) to apply these standard Bible tests to the life and

ministry of Ellen G. White.

THE LESSON

Introduction



clothing, but inwardly they are ravening

wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits.

"Christ warned His disciples: 'Beware of Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of

false prophets, which come to you in sheep's thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth

[ 19 ]

forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bring-

eth forth evil fruit.' . . . Here is a test, and

all can apply it if they will. Those who

really desire to know the truth will find

sufficient evidence for

belief."—Testimonies,

vol.

5, pp. 671, 672. See also

The Acts of

the Apostles,

page 263.

In addition to the specifically designated

Bible tests which we shall study in this

lesson, there are certain evidences which

oftimes prove to be of great service in ex-

amining the claims of anyone who says he

speaks for God. The message of the true

prophet will be (a) timely,

(b)

of a practi-

cal nature,

(c)

on a high spiritual plane,

not childish or mingling the sublime and the

ridiculous, and

(d)

not tempered to curry

the favor of men.

The testimony will be motivated, not by

impressions or impulses, but by a definite

vision from God, and in historical connota-

tion we see the physical phenomena con-

nected with the visions as one evidence

among other evidences. We now turn to

the basic Bible tests, and we shall examine

Mrs. White's work in the light of these tests.

Four Bible Tests

By what unerring standards must

the teachings of any who lay claim to

the gift of prophecy be measured? Isa.

8:20.

What is another crucial test of a

prophet's work? Deut. 18:20-22. Com-

pare Jer. 28:9; 2 Peter 1:19.

Nora.—The proof of a prophet's creden-

tials lies, in part, in the fulfillment of his

predictions. Note how this was found true

of Samuel. 1 Sam. 3:16-21.

In applying the test of fulfilled

predictions, what must be taken into

consideration? Jer. 18:9, 10.

NOTE.—The fulfillment of certain proph-

ecies may be dependent on the attitude of

those concerned, whether this condition is

stated in the prophecies or not. Many

promises were made to Israel which were

not fulfilled because Israel came so far

short of doing God's will. Certain condi-

tions arose which led the Lord to alter His

purpose in leading the children of Israel

promptly into the Promised Land. "Ye shall

know My breach of promise," the Lord de-

clared. See Num. 14:34, margin.

The Lord postponed the clearly predicted

overthrow of Nineveh. The city was not

destroyed in forty days, as the prophet de-

clared, yet Jonah was a true prophet. See

Jonah 1:2; 3:2, 3, 5, 10.

Of the conditional nature of God's prom-

ises, Ellen G. White, writing of the continu-

ation of time beyond their early expectation

and especially in the light of her statements

that time was short, wrote: "The angels

of God in their messages to men represent

time as very short. Thus it has always been

presented to me. It is true that time has

continued longer that we expected in the

early days of this message. Our Saviour

did not appear as soon as we hoped. But

has the word of the Lord failed? Never!

It should be remembered that the promises

and threatenings of God are alike condi-

tional."—Selected Messages,

b. 1, p. 67.

What was given as another mark

of a true prophet? 1 John 4:1, 2.

NoTE.—"Loyalty to the person of Christ

—to His pre-existence, His Incarnation, His

Deity, His divine Sonship, His virgin birth,

His miracle-working power, the divine au-

thority of His teaching, His substitutionary

and expiatory death, His literal resurrection,

His ascension, His mediatory and inter-

cessory priesthood, and the promise of His

bodily, visible, personal, and imminent re-

turn—this is the fundamental test for de-

termining satisfactorily whether a prophet

is false or true."—C. B. Haynes,

The Gift

of Prophecy,

revised ed., pp. 110, 111.

What very reasonable test should

be applied to anyone professing to ex-

ercise the prophetic gift? Matt. 7:

15-20.

NorE.—The fruit of a prophet's work is

to be found (1) in his own personal life and

experience,

(2)

in the lives of those who

give heed to his messages and are influenced

by them, (3) the character of the work

which he attempts to establish.

[ 20 ]

What invitation did Mrs. White

give to investigators who sought to

examine the fruitage of her prophetic

visions?

Answer:

"Let the

Testimonies

be judged

by their fruits. What is the spirit of their

teaching? What has been the result of

their influence? 'All who desire to do so can

acquaint themselves with the fruits of these

visions.' . . .

" 'God is either teaching His church, re-

proving their wrongs and strengthening

their faith, or He is not. This work is of

God, or it is not. God does nothing in part-

nership with Satan. My work .. . bears the

stamp of God or the stamp of the enemy.

There is no halfway work in the matter.

The

Testimonies

are of the Spirit of God,

or of the devil.'

"—Testimonies, vol.

p. 671.

How did Ellen G. White explain

her experience as God's messenger?

Answer:

"As the Lord has manifested

Himself through the spirit of prophecy,

`past, present, and future have passed be-

fore me. I have been shown faces that I had

never seen, and years afterward I knew

them when I saw them. I have been

aroused from my sleep with a vivid sense of

subjects previously presented to my mind;

and I have written, at midnight, letters that

have gone across the continent and, ar-

riving at a crisis, have saved great disaster

to the cause of God. This has been my

work for many years. A power has impelled

me to reprove and rebuke wrongs that I

had not thought of. Is this work of the

last thirty-six years from above or from

beneath?'

"—Testimonies, vol. 5,

p. 671.

In applying to Mrs. White's

work the test of Isaiah 8:20, what do

we find?

Answer:

Ellen G. White's oral and writ-

ten messages exalted the law of God and

guided sincere searchers for truth to the

Holy Scriptures.

"'To the law and to the testimony'

While conflicting doctrines and theories

abound, the law of God is the one unerring

rule by which all opinions, doctrines, and

theories are to be tested. Says the prophet:

`If they speak not according to this word,

it is because there is no light in them.'

"—

The Great Controversy,

page 452.

On the last page of her first book, pub-

lished in 1851, she wrote: "I recommend to

you, dear reader, the word of God as the

rule of your faith and practice."—Early

Writings,

page 78.

Give illustrations of Mrs. White's

predictions of future events.

Answer:

In 1849 and 1850 she identified

the mysterious knockings at Hydesville,

N.Y., as the work of Satan and predicted

that spiritualism would take on a religious

mold, that it would explain away the mira-

cles of Christ as the result of its power, and

would sweep the world in its rapid and

widespread growth. See

Early Writings,

pages 43, 59, 88. How accurately this has

been fulfilled!

In 1890, years before "modern" warfare

and our two world wars, she predicted the

results of such gigantic conflicts. See

Mes-

sages to Young People,

pages 89, 90.

Nora.—God opened to her mind scientific

truth in advance of scientific discovery.

Three illustrations are cited: In 1905 she

stated significantly that "tobacco is a slow,

insidious, but most malignant poison."—

The Ministry of Healing,

page 327. Recent

scientific tests reveal that tobacco smokers

of long standing may develop lung cancer

while unaware of the developing tumor.

Also in 1905, when discussing dietary in-

discretions, she warned of "cancerous

germs."—/bid., p. 313. Today medical

science, as the result of extensive research,

and after many denials, has linked cancer

with certain viruses or "miniature germs"

in both animals and human beings.

In 1869 Ellen White wrote: "What-

ever disturbs the circulation of the electric

currents in the nervous system lessens the

strength of the vital powers, and the result

is a deadening of the sensibilities of the

mind."—Testimonies,

vol. 2, p. 347.

In the early years when Ellen White thus

wrote, the idea that there were electrical

currents in the body was quite foreign to

the thinking of physicians. In fact, but

very little was known about electricity at

the time. But now we come down nearly a

century from the time Ellen White wrote

[21

]

of "electric currents in the nervous system"

and find the scientific world is taking note

of the tiny pulsating electric currents ema-

nating from the brain, the frequency and

size of which vary with the individual.

"Today several hundred laboratories in

the United States and a similar number in

Europe are recording and interpreting

charts of the electrical discharges of human

brains. Their total annual output of charts

would girdle the earth. Hospitals all over

the world have accumulated thousands upon

thousands of brain-prints."—Scientific

American,

June, 1954, p. 54.

10.

How did Mrs. White exalt Je-

sus Christ and direct men and women

to Him as Lord and Saviour?

Answer:

All her writings ring true as steel

to the great fundamentals of Christianity.

Especially in her book

The Desire of Ages

do we find multiplied evidences that testify

to the dignity and honor of the Lord

Jesus Christ who, as John wrote, "is come

in the flesh." 1 John 4:2. Note the follow-

ing: "The crucified Messiah is the central

point of all Christianity."—Counsels

to Par-

ents, Teachers, and Students,

pages 23, 24.

"We are believers in Christ, . . . in His,

divinity and in His pre-existence."—Testi-

monies,

vol. 6, p. 58.

11.

What is revealed when we ap-

ply the test, "By their fruits ye shall

know them"?

Answer:

The fruits of the spirit of proph-

ecy teachings as seen in the lives of those

who consistently follow its counsels, as

witnessed in the sound and rapidly growing

work of the church, and as demonstrated

in Ellen White's own personal life, all unite

to declare that the tree which bore the

fruit is good.

F. M. Wilcox, a past editor of the

Review

and Herald

and an associate of Ellen White,

said in a sermon at a General Conference

session, June 7, 1946: "Her life and Chris-

tian experience conformed to the pure, sim-

ple, dignified principles of the gospel of

Christ. She exemplified in her own life, as

does every true prophet, the principles of

truth she taught to others. . . .

"The work of Mrs.. White should not be

judged by some detail, by the turn of a

phrase or sentence, or by some seeming

contradiction in her writings. It should be

judged by the spirit which has characterized

her work through the years, by the fruit it

has borne in connection with the great

religious movement with which it was as-

sociated, and in the development of which

it bore a prominent part and exerted a

molding influence."—The

Spirit of Proph-

ecy Treasure Chest,

pages 10, 11.

A Warning Against False Prophets

12.

What warning does John sound

to guard the church from false proph-

ets? 1 John 4:1. Compare Matt. 7:15;

24:11.

NoTE.—Ellen G. White in 1905 reiterated

this warning through the pages of our

church paper: "There will be those who

will claim to have visions. When God gives

you clear evidence that the vision is from

Him, you may accept it, but do not accept

it on any other evidence; for people are go-

ing to be led more and more astray in

foreign countries and in

America."—Selected

Messages,

b. 2,

72.

13.

Are we justified in testing those

who claim divine enlightenment by

the messages given through the spirit

of prophecy?

Answer:

"There will be false dreams and

false visions, which have some truth, but

lead away from the original faith. The Lord

has given men a rule by which to detect

them: 'To the law and to the testimony: if

they speak not according to this word, it is

because there is no light in them' (Isa. 8:20).

If they belittle the law of God,

if they pay

no heed to His will as revealed in the testi-

monies of His Spirit,

they are deceivers.

They are controlled by impulse and impres-

sions, which they believe to be from the

Holy Spirit, and consider more reliable than

the Inspired

Word."—Selected Messages,

98. (Italics supplied.)

Appeal to Our Faith

14.

What does Paul admonish all

Christians to do? 1 Thess. 5:20, 21.

Thought Questions:

(1) Have you per-

sonally "measured" the spirit of prophecy

writings, using the "yardstick" suggested

in this lesson? (2) What is the best proof

in your mind that Ellen G. White was the

inspired messenger of God?

Lesson 7, for May 19, 1962

Integrity of the Prophetic Message

MEMORY VERSE:

"As the Lord liveth, even what my God saith, that will 1 speak."

2 Chron. 18:13.

STUDY HELPS:

"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 534-536; "S.D.A. Bible Com-

mentary."

LESSON AIM:

To show (1) that the messages of the prophets are dependable, in

spite of the fact that the writers were human and fallible, and (2) that the

messages of the prophet were not molded by influences about him.

THE LESSON

NoTE.—"Prophets . . . are men who are

sure, because they are Spirit-taught; and

they speak therefore with the note of abso-

lute authority."—G. Campbell Morgan,

The

Ministry of the Word,

page 84.

2. What did the prophets often des-

ignate to be the source of the mes-

sages they bore? Hosea 1:1; Haggai

1:3, 7, 13.

Introduction

In Bible times there were those who

denied the divine source of the prophetic

messages, declaring that in the testimony

the prophet bore he was influenced by cer-

tain individuals or circumstances.

If the prophet were influenced, if his

messages were but a reflection of the opinion

or devices of those about him, or his testi-

monies originated with the thoughts of his

own mind, then his message would obvi-

ously be false, and his claims would be

rejected.

In the early years of Mrs. White's minis-

try a few attributed her visions to mesmer-

ism. See

Early Writings,

pages 21-23. At

times in later years it was suggested that

she was influenced by strong church leaders

about her—her husband, other administra-

tors, physicians, or educators.

When one man suggested to her that her

testimony revealed that she had been mis-

informed by certain brethren, she wrote:

"You think individuals have prejudiced my

mind. If I am in this state, I am not fitted

to be entrusted with the work of God."—

Selected Messages,

b. 2, p. 63.

The Prophetic Message Dependable

1. What can be said concerning the

surety of the messages of the prophets?

2 Peter 1:19.

An Attempt to Influence the

Prophet

What circumstances led King

Ahab to inquire of the prophet Mica-

iah concerning a proposed military

expidition? 2 Chron.

18:1

How did Ahab's officer attempt

to influence Micaiah in his message to

the king? 2 Chron. 18:12.

What did Micaiah resolve, re-

gardless of circumstances? 2 Chron.

18:13, 16, 27.

NOTE.—Micaiah, the true prophet of the

Lord, who could not be influenced, was

sent to prison. King Ahab, in spite of the

forecast of disaster, went into battle and

was slain. Jehoshaphat barely escaped with

his life.

Accused of Being Influenced

As Jeremiah delivered an impor-

tant prophetic message to the leaders

of Judah, of what did they accuse

him? Jer. 43:1, 2.

NOTE.—Jeremiah's counsel which was

rejected by many leaders in Judah is re-

corded in the preceeding chapter. See Jere-

miah 42:4-22. Jeremiah had faithfully

delivered God's message which he gave in

response to inquiries that these same men

had made concerning the course that Judah

should take in a time of national crisis.

See verses 1-4.

Who was said to have originated

the counsel Jeremiah declared to be

from the Lord? Jer. 43:3.

NoTE.—In an endeavor to dismiss God's

clear instruction which did not appeal to

them as reasonable or safe counsel, the

charge was now made by the princes that

the message had actually originated with

Jeremiah's literary assistant, and not with

the Lord.

This attempt to dismiss as unworthy of

confidence the written messages of the

prophets did not cease in Jeremiah's day. At

times it was suggested that Mrs. White's

literary assistants, rather than the Lord,

were responsible for certain messages of

counsel that were sent out. Mrs. White

makes reference to this charge, but gives

credit for the influences working upon her

mind to "One who is mighty in counsel."

She wrote:

"There are those who say, 'Someone

manipulates her writings.' I acknowledge

the charge. It is One who is mighty in

counsel, One who presents before me the

condition of things."—Letter 52, 1906,

quoted in

Messenger to the Remnant,

page

17, by Arthur L. White.

Mrs. White was instructed of God as to

whom she could trust and whom she could

not trust in the copying of her handwritten

messages and assisting in preparing the

manuscripts for the printer. She herself

examined every page before it was sent out.

We may be assured that the counsels were

not altered as they passed from the hand-

written drafts to the printed page. Mrs.

White had no "ghost" writers.

God's Controlling Power

Recognized

What did Balak request Balaam

to do, and with what results? Num.

22:1-7; 23:5-11.

NOTE.—"Balaam was once a good man

and a prophet of God; but he had aposta-

tized, and had given himself up to covet-

ousness; yet he still professed to be a

servant of the Most High. He was not

ignorant of God's work in behalf of Israel;

and when the messengers announced their

errand, he well knew that it was his duty

to refuse the rewards of Balak, and to dis-

miss the ambassadors. But he ventured to

dally with temptation, and urged the mes-

sengers to tarry with him that night, de-

claring that he could give no decided

answer till he had asked counsel of the

Lord. Balaam knew that his course could

not harm Israel. God was on their side,

and so long as they were true to Him no

adverse power of earth or hell could pre-

vail against them. But his pride was flat-

tered by the words of the ambassadors, 'He

whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom

thou cursest is cursed.' The bribe of costly

gifts and prospective exaltation excited his

covetousness. He greedily accepted the of-

fered treasures, and then, while professing

strict obedience to the will of God, he tried

to comply with the desires of Balak."—

Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 439.

How did Balaam, who was cov-

etous, make it clear that his pro-

nouncement would be dictated by

God? Num. 22:38. On what was this

explanation based? Verse 20.

NOTE.—"As he [Balaam] professed

be.

God's prophet, .. . all he should say would

be supposed to be uttered by divine au-

thority. Hence he was not to be permitted

to speak as he chose, but must deliver the

[24

]

message which God should give him. 'The

word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt

thou do,' was the divine command."—Patri-

archs

and Prophets,

page 441.

10.

When the king remonstrated

with Balaam for not cursing Israel,

how did Balaam answer? Num. 23:

12, 25, 26; 24:10-13.

Integrity of the Spirit of Prophecy

Writings

11.

To whom did Mrs. White give

credit for the messages found in her

books?

Answer:

"Sister White is not the origi-

nator of these books. They contain the in-

struction that during her lifework God has

been giving her. They contain the precious,

comforting light that God has graciously

given His servant to be given to the world."

—Colporteur Ministry,

page 125.

NOTE.—Further observation fills out the

picture as we read her comments concerning

the messages as set forth in other ways.

Articles in church papers:

"I do not write

one article in the paper expressing merely

my own ideas. They are what God has

opened before me in vision—the precious

rays of light shining from the throne."

—Testimonies, vol.

5, p. 67.

The letter testimonies:

"You might say

that this communication was only a letter.

Yes, it was a letter, but prompted by the

Spirit of God, to bring before your minds

things that had been shown me. In these

letters which I write, in the testimonies I

bear, I am presenting to you that which

the Lord has presented to

me."—Ibid.

Interviews:

"This morning I attended a

meeting where a select few were called to-

gether to consider some questions that were

presented to them by a letter soliciting con-

sideration and advice on these subjects. Of

some of these subjects I could speak, be-

cause at sundry times and in divers places

many things have been presented to me....

"As my brethren read the selections from

letters, I knew what to say to them; for

this matter has been presented to me again

and again."—Ellen G. White,

Southern

Work,

page 97.

12.

With what assuring words did

Mrs. White answer the charge that

she had been influenced in the content

of her writing?

Answer:

"Some are ready to inquire:

Who told Sister White these things? They

have even put the question to me: Did any-

one tell you these things? I could answer

them: Yes; yes, the angel of God has spoken

me."—Testimonies,

vol. 3, p. 314.

NozE.—Addressing the officers of one of

the denomination's large institutions at a

time of crisis, Ellen G. White wrote from

Australia:

"Unbelief is expressed by the words,

`Who has written these things to Sister

White?' But I know of no one who knows

them as they are, and no one who could

write that which he does not suppose has

an existence. Someone has told me,—He

who does not falsify, misjudge, or exag-

gerate any

case."—Special Instruction Re-

lating to the Review and Herald Office and

the Work in Battle Creek,

page 16.

13.

What answer did Mrs. White

give to the suggestion that certain

testimonies reflected her personal

opinion?

Answer:

"In the testimonies sent to —

I have given you the light God has given

to me. In no case have I given my own

judgment or opinion. I have enough to

write of what has been shown me, without

falling back on my own opinions. . . . In-

stead of repenting before God, you reject

His words, and attribute all the warnings

and reproof to the messenger whom the

Lord

sends."—Testimonies for the Battle

Creek Church,

1882, page 58.

NOTE.—Discussing the editorial policy of

the

Signs of the Times,

Mrs. White prefaced

her counsels by saying, "Permit me to ex-

press my mind, and yet not my mind, but

the word of the Lord."—Ellen G. White,

Counsels to Writers and Editors,

page 112.

The following words need no comment:

"What reserve power has the Lord with

which to reach those who have cast aside

His warnings and reproofs, and have ac-

credited the testimonies of the Spirit of

God to no higher source than human wis-

[ 25

dom? In the judgment what can you who

have done this offer to God as an excuse

for turning from the evidences He has

given you that God was in the work? `By

their fruits ye shall know

them.' "—Testi-

monies to Ministers,

page 466.

Thought Questions:

(1) What are the

personal reasons that you would give for

defending the integrity of Mrs. White's

writings? (2) Have you noticed the uni-

formity of doctrine and emphasis in the

spirit of prophecy counsels?

Lesson 8, for May 26, 1962

The Primacy of the Bible

MEMORY VERSE:

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable

for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that

the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."

2 Tim.

3:16, 17.

STUDY HELPS:

"Selected Messages," b.

pp. 15-23; "The Great Controversy,"

chapter 37; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."

LESSON AIM:

To show (1) that the word of God is a trustworthy and infallible

revelation of God's will, and (2) that when its purpose is understood and the

manner of reading and interpretation is clear, and its message accepted, we

shall find salvation in its pages.

THE LESSON

Introduction

"In His word, God has committed to men

the knowledge necessary for salvation. The

Holy Scriptures are to be accepted as an

authoritative, infallible revelation of His

will. They are the standard of character,

the revealer of doctrines, and the test of

experience."—The

Great Controversy,

In-

troduction, page vii.

"I take the Bible just as it is, as the

Inspired Word. I believe its utterances in

an entire Bible.. .

"Brethren, cling to,your Bible, as it reads,

and stop your criticisms in regard to its

validity, and obey the word, and not one

of you will be

lost."—Selected Messages,

b. 1, pp. 17, 18. See also

Education,

pages

123, 124.

Inspiration of the Bible Writers

1. What claim did Paul make con-

cerning the Holy Scriptures? 2 Tim.

3:15-17.

NOTE.—" 'Inspiration' is found twice in

the KJV: (1) Job 32:8, where `inspiration'

is literally `breath,' and (2) 2 Ti 3:16,

where the phrase, `all Scripture is given by

inspiration of God,' is literally, `all Scripture

is God-breathed.'

"—S.D.A. Bible Diction-

ary,

page 504.

A supernatural influence exerted on the

writers of Scripture by the Holy Spirit gave

to their writings a certain trustworthiness

that could not be found in the works of

ordinary authors. One proof of its divine

validity is the change produced in the life

of the student of Scripture. It "effectually

worketh also in you that believe." 1 Thess.

2:13.

2. How did Peter describe the

workings of divine inspiration?

2 Peter 1:21.

NOTE.—"The Spirit of God 'moved' the

prophets. This is a word of wonderful

significance. Literally, it means to be `borne

along,' carried along,' impelled' or `driven.'

[ 26 ]

Weymouth uses `impelled,' and in Acts

27:15, 17 we read of the ship in which

the apostle Paul sailed as being 'driven'

by the storm. This is the same word."—

W. E. Read,

The Bible, the Spirit of Proph-

ecy, and the Church,

page 17.

John says that he "was in the Spirit,"

(Rev. 1:10), "that is, I received the Spirit

of prophecy, and was under its influence

when the first vision was exhibited."—

Clarke's Commentary,

vol. 6, p. 972.

Did God communicate to the

prophet, in each case, the very words

of His message? Ezek. 40:4; 11:24, 25.

Compare Rev. 1:10, 11.

NOTE.—"God has been pleased to com-

municate His truth to the world by human

agencies, and He Himself, by His Holy

Spirit, qualified men and enabled them to do

this work. He guided the mind in the selec-

tion of what to speak and what to write.

The treasure was entrusted to earthen ves-

sels, yet it is, nonetheless, from Heaven. The

testimony is conveyed through the imper-

fect expression of human language, yet it

is the testimony of God; and the obedient,

believing child of God beholds in it the

glory of a divine power, full of grace and

truth."—The

Great Controversy,

Intro-

duction, pages vi, vii.

What term is sometimes applied

to the prophets of God? Luke 1:70;

2 Peter 3:2. Compare 2 Peter 1:21.

NOTE.—The prophets who were moved

by the Holy Spirit were holy men, men

called of God to do a holy work, and cer-

tainly holiness of life was an essential pre-

requisite to the prophetic office. Only holy

men and women were called to bear "the

word of the Lord." The prophet might be

struggling against personal prejudice like

Jonah, or fall into sin like David, or sin like

Moses on the borders of the Promised Land,

but God could and did accept the confession

and repentance of these men. However,

He could not and did not continue to accept

the person of apostates like Balaam who

sold his allegiance to God for the favor of

the world. The life record of Ellen G. White,

while not free from frailties, was distin-

guished for its Christlike consistency and

integrity.

Authority of the Scriptures

Of whom do the Scriptures tes-

tify? John 5:39.

NorE.—"Jesus said of the Old Testament

Scriptures,—and how much more is it true

of the New,—`They are they which testify

of Me,' the Redeemer, Him in whom our

hopes of eternal life are centered. John

5:39. Yes, the whole Bible tells of Christ.

From the first record of creation—for 'with-

out Him was not anything made that was

made'—to the closing promise, 'Behold I

come quickly,' we are reading of His works

and listening to His voice. John 1:3 ;

Revelation 22:12. If you would become

acquainted with the Saviour, study the

Holy Scriptures."—Steps

to Christ,

1956

and pocket eds., p. 88.

"As you read the Bible, you will see the

matchless charms of Jesus. You will fall in

love with the Man of Calvary. . . . You

may drink of the waters of salvation. . . .

Then your lips will speak thanksgiving to

God."—Life Sketches,

page 293.

In His earthly life, to what au-

thority did Christ appeal? Luke 4:4,

8, 10; Matt. 26:31. Compare Deut.

8:3; Zech. 13:7.

NoTE.—"Jesus met Satan with the words

of Scripture. 'It is written,' He said. In every

temptation the weapon of His warfare was

the word of God. Satan demanded of

Christ a miracle as a sign of His divinity.

But that which is greater than all miracles,

a firm reliance upon a `Thus saith the Lord,'

was a sign that could not be controverted.

So long as Christ held to this position, the

tempter could gain no advantage."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 120.

"We are to receive God's word as su-

preme authority. We must accept its truths

for ourselves. And we can appreciate these

truths only as we search them out by per-

sonal

study."—Testimonies,

vol. 6, p. 402.

What is said of the enduring

nature of God's word? Isa. 40:8;

Matt. 24:35; Ps. 119:89.

[ 27 ]

NoTE.—"This Holy Book has withstood

the assaults of Satan, who has united with

evil men to make everything of divine

character shrouded in clouds and darkness.

But the Lord has preserved this Holy Book

by His own miraculous power in its present

shape—a chart or guidebook to the human

family to show them the way to heaven."

—Selected Messages,

b. 1, p. 15.

What unique power is found in

the word of God? 1 Peter 1:23-25;

2:2; John 17:17.

NoTE.—"The truths of the Bible, re-

ceived, will uplift the mind from its earth-

liness and debasement. If the word of God

were appreciated as it should be, both

young and old would possess an inward

rectitude, a strength of principle, that would

enable them to resist temptation."—Testi-

monies, vol. 8,

p. 319.

"Let the student take the Bible as his

guide and stand like a rock for principle,

and he may aspire to any height of at-

tainment."—Ibid., p. 322.

How to Study the Bible

What noble example in Bible

study was set by the Bereans? Acts 17:

11. Compare Ps. 119:33, 36, 38, 40.

NOTE.—"We should exert all the powers

of the mind in the study of the Scriptures

and should task the understanding to com-

prehend, as far as mortals can, the deep

things of God; yet we must not forget

that the docility and submission of a child

is the true spirit of the learner. . . . We

must come with a humble and teachable

spirit to obtain knowledge from the great I

AM. Otherwise, evil angels will so blind our

minds and harden our hearts that we shall

not be impressed by the truth."—The

Great

Controversy,

page 599.

"Never should the Bible be studied with-

out prayer. Before opening its pages we

should ask for the enlightenment of the

Holy Spirit, and it will be

given."—Steps

to Christ,

page 91.

10.

What important principle

stated with respect to Revelation can

be applied to the whole Bible? Rev.

22:18, 19.

NOTE.—"When men, compassed with hu-

man infirmities, affected in a greater or less

degree by surrounding influences, and hav-

ing hereditary and cultivated tendencies

which are far from making them wise or

heavenly-minded, undertake to arraign the

word of God, and to pass judgment upon

what is divine and what is human, they

are working without the counsel of God.

The Lord will not prosper such a work.

The effect will be disastrous, both upon the

one engaged in it and upon those who ac-

cept it as a work from God. Skepticism

has been aroused in many minds by the

theories presented as to the nature of in-

spiration. Finite beings, with their narrow,

shortsighted views, feel themselves compe-

tent to criticize the Scriptures, saying: 'This

passage is needful, and that passage is not

needful, and is not inspired.'

"—Testimonies,

vol.

5. p. 709.

"The language of the Bible should be

explained according to its obvious meaning,

unless a symbol or figure is employed.

Christ has given the promise: 'If any man

will do His will, he shall know of the doc-

trine.' John 7:17. If men would but take

the Bible as it reads, if there were no false

teachers to mislead and confuse their minds,

a work would be accomplished that would

make angels glad and that would bring into

the fold of Christ thousands upon thou-

sands who are now wandering in error."—

The Great Controversy,

page 599.

11.

Why cannot the "natural man"

understand the Scriptures? 1 Cor. 2:

12-14.

12.

What will be the experience of

all who live by the truths of the Bible?

Ps. 119:103, 104. Compare Luke 4:4.

Thought Questions:

(1) Do you hold

the Bible in the same high esteem as did

Ellen G. White? (2) Cite instances in

which the writings of Mrs. White magnify

the Scriptures.

[

281

Lesson 9, for June 2, 1962

Place and Work of the Spirit of Prophecy

MEMORY VERSE:

"Wherefore He saith, When He ascended up on high, He led

captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men." "And He gave some, apostles;

and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying

of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the

knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the

stature of the fullness of Christ." Eph. 4:8, 11-13.

STUDY HELPS:

"The Great Controversy," Introduction, pages vii-xii, trade ed.;

pp. 9-14, missionary ed.; "Selected Messages," b. 1, pp. 24-39; "Patriarchs

and Prophets," Introduction, by Uriah Smith; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."

LESSON AIM:

To show (1) that spiritual gifts are to operate in the church in the

last days; (2) the relationship that exists between the Bible and the spirit of

prophecy writings; and (3) to clarify the role of the spirit of prophecy in the

remnant church.

THE LESSON

Introduction

" 'The word of God is sufficient to en-

lighten the most beclouded mind and may

be understood by those who have any de-

sire to understand it. But notwithstanding

all this, some who profess to make the word

of God their study are found living in direct

opposition to its plainest teachings. Then,

to leave men and women without excuse,

God gives plain and pointed testimonies,

bringing them back to the word that they

have neglected to follow.' The word of

God abounds in general principles for the

formation of correct habits of living, and

the testimonies, general and personal, have

been calculated to call their attention more

especially to these principles.'

"—Testimo-

nies,

vol. .5, pp. 663, 664.

The Blessings of the Spiritual Gifts

1. Of what would Paul not have

the Corinthian believers to be igno-

rant? 1 Cor. 12:1.

NoTE.—The church should understand

the place and operation of spiritual gifts.

We talk much about the fruits of the Spirit,

little about the gifts. The gifts beautify the

church and make it noble in character,

united in purpose, strong in witness, ready

for translation to heaven. Wrote James

White in his preface to

Spiritual Gifts,

vol. 3:

"The object of the gifts, as stated by

Paul, was 'for the perfecting of the saints,

for the work of the ministry, for the edify-

ing of the body of Christ, till we all come

in the unity of the faith.' These were Heav-

en's appointed means to secure the unity of

the church. Christ prayed that His peo-

ple might be one, as He was one with His

Father. Read John 17. Paul exhorted the

Corinthians in the name of Christ to be

perfectly joined together in the same mind,

and in the same judgment. Read 1 Cor. 1:

10; Rom. 15:5; Phil. 2:1, 2; 1 Peter 3:8;

5:5. The gifts were given to secure this

state of unity."—Page 29.

Enumerate the principal gifts of

the Holy Spirit. 1 Cor.

12:28, 8-10.

Nora.—It is important for the church to

understand the role of the gift of prophecy

in its midst. Wrote Ellen White: " 'In an-

cient times God spoke to men by the mouth

of prophets and apostles.

these days He

[29]

speaks to them by the testimonies of His

Spirit. There was never a time when God

instructed His people more earnestly than

He instructs them now concerning His will

and the course that He would have them

pursue.' "—Testimonies, vol.

5, p. 661.

What gift did Paul say the

Corinthian believers were especially

to desire? 1 Cor. 14:1.

NOTE.—Wrote A. G. Daniells, for over

twenty years president of the General Con-

ference of Seventh-day Adventists: "The

gift of prophecy is one of God's choicest

gifts to the human family. Indeed, it ranks

next to the supreme gift of His only-begot-

ten Son and of His Holy Spirit to a world

estranged and separated by

sin."—The

Abiding Gift of Prophecy,

page 15.

Where were spiritual gifts to be

manifest? 1 Cor. 12:28. For how long?

1 Cor. 13:9, 10.

NOTE.—The appearance of the gift of

prophecy among Seventh-day Adventists

has been recognized since the beginning by

leaders of the movement. This faith has been

expressed in General Conference sessions

for nearly a century. The church has un-

waveringly clung to its belief in the divine

guidance manifest through the agent of the

prophetic gift, Ellen G. White. The follow-

ing statements, made by delegates in of-

ficial session of the General Conference in

1867 and 1958, are typical:

"Resolved,

That we express our contin-

ued faith in the perpetuity of spiritual

gifts during the gospel dispensation, and

our gratitude to God that He has intimately

connected the spirit of prophecy with the

proclamation of the third angel's message."

—Review and Herald,

May 28, 1867.

"As delegates to the world session of the

General Conference of Seventh-day Ad-

ventists, we reaffirm our belief and full con-

fidence in this prophetic gift, as manifested

through Ellen G. White. And because God

provided that His instruction through the

gift of prophecy should be published in

books and made available to all, the bless-

ings of the gift live on. We believe that

these writings are God's inspired counsel

to the

church."—Review and Herald,

June

25, 1958.

Purpose of the Spirit of Prophecy

What is God's purpose in be-

stowing spiritual gifts in the church?

Eph. 4:11-14; 1 Cor. 12:7; 14:22, last

part.

No'rE.—The testimony of Uriah Smith,

one of the pioneers of the church, concern-

ing the influence of the spirit of prophecy

on the lives of church members will be

helpful:

"Their fruit is such as to show that the

source from which they spring, is the op-

posite of evil.

"They tend to the purest morality. They

discountenance every vice, and exhort to

the practice of every virtue. They point out

the perils through which we are to pass to

the kingdom. They reveal the devices of

Satan. They warn us against his snares.

They have nipped in the bud, scheme after

scheme of fanaticism which the enemy has

tried to foist into our midst. They have

exposed hidden iniquity, brought to light

concealed wrongs, and laid bare the evil

motives of the falsehearted. They have

warded off dangers from the cause of truth

upon every hand. They have aroused and

rearoused us to greater consecration to

God, more zealous efforts for holiness of

heart, and greater diligence in the cause

and service of our Master."—Review

and

Herald,

June 12, 1866, page 9.

How does the True Witness deal

with the Laodicean church, and what

counsel does He offer? Rev. 3:14, 19.

NorE.—This chastening process is ac-

complished by the messages of reproof and

correction given through the prophets. Is it

not significant that this is brought to view

in connection with the message to the La-

odicean church?

Applying the words of this text to the

testimonies she bore, Ellen White declared:

"The Lord has seen fit to counsel El-

der —, to give him words of reproof be-

cause he had erred; but is this an evidence

that God has forsaken him?—No. 'As many

as I love I rebuke and chasten: be zealous

therefore, and repent' (Rev. 3:19). The

Lord reproves wrongs in His people, but is

this an evidence that He has rejected them?

[ 80 ]

—No. There are errors in the church, and

the Lord points them out by His own or-

dained agencies, not always through the

testimonies."—Selected

Messages,

b. 2, p. 81.

Instead of an indication of God's

rejection, of what is the chastening of

the Lord a certain evidence? Heb. 12:

6, 7. What excellent results does this

chastening produce? Verse 11.

How did the vision of the sheet

let down from heaven, given to the

church through Peter, teach an im-

portant Bible principle? Acts 10:1-35.

Compare 2 Chron. 19:7.

NoTE.—As the vision of Peter corrected

him in his error and prejudice toward the

Gentiles, so the prophetic writings correct

those who have a tendency to err from Bi-

ble principles. Wrote Ellen G. White at

the close of her first book in which she

presented the early vision:

"I recommend to you, dear reader, the

word of God as the rule of your faith and

practice. By that word we are to be judged.

God has, in that word, promised to give

visions in the

'last days;'

not for a new rule

of faith, but for the comfort of His peo-

ple, and to correct those who err from Bible

truth.

Thus God dealt with Peter when

He was about to send him to preach to the

Gentiles.

(Acts 10.)"—Early

Writings,

page

78. (Italics supplied.)

How does Mrs. White indicate

the relationship of her messages to the

Bible?

Answer:

"Little heed is given to the Bi-

ble, and the Lord has given a lesser light

to lead men and women to the greater

light."—Colporteur Ministry,

page

125.

Writing further of this relationship Mrs.

White observed: "The Spirit was not given

—nor can it ever be bestowed—to super-

sede the Bible; for the Scriptures explicitly

state that the word of God is the standard

by which all teaching and experience must

be tested."—The

Great Controversy,

In-

troduction, page vii.

NOTE.—That the writings of Mrs. White

were not given to take the place of the Bi-

ble, the following extract from a testimony

published in 1876 will show:

"Brother J would confuse the mind by

seeking to make it appear that the light

God has given through the

Testimonies

an addition to the word of God, but in

this he presents the matter in a false light.

God has seen fit in this manner to bring

the minds of His people to His, word, to

give them a clearer understanding of it."—

Testimonies,

vol_ 4, p. 246.

The Work of Mrs. Ellen G. White

10.

What claim did Mrs. White

make for herself and her work?

Answer:

"I have had no claims to make,

only that

I am instructed that I am the

Lord's messenger;

that He called me in my

youth to be His messenger, to receive His

word, and to give a clear and decided mes-

sage in the name of the Lord Jesus."—

Selected Messages,

b. 1, p. 32.

11.

What did Mrs. White refrain

from claiming?

Answer:

In a public address delivered

October 2, 1904, in Battle Creek, Michigan,

Mrs. White stated that she did "not claim

to be a prophetess."—Selected

Messages,

b. 1, p. 35. Explaining this later, she wrote:

"During the discourse, I said that I did

not claim to be a prophetess. Some were

surprised at this statement, and as much is

being said in regard to it, I will make an

explanation. Others have called me a proph-

etess, but I have never assumed that title.

I have not felt that it was my duty thus to

designate myself. Those who boldly assume

that they are prophets in this our day are

often a reproach to the cause of Christ.

"My work includes much more than this

name signifies. I regard myself as a mes-

senger, entrusted by the Lord with mes-

sages for His

people."—Selected Messages,

b. 1, pp. 35, 36.

"My commission embraces the work of

a prophet, but it does not end there."—

Ibid.,

p. 36.

"My work includes much more than the

word 'prophet' signifies.

[ 31 ]

"When this work was first given me, I

begged the Lord to lay the burden on some-

one else. The work was so large and broad

and deep that I feared I could not do it.

But by His Holy Spirit the Lord has en-

abled me to perform the work which He

gave me to

do."—I bid.,

pp. 32, 33.

12. What work did God "espe-

cially" assign to Mrs. White?

Answer:

"The work which the Lord has

laid out before me especially is to urge

young and old, learned and unlearned, to

search the Scriptures for themselves; to

impress upon all that the study of God's

word will expand the mind and strengthen

every faculty, fitting the intellect to wrestle

with problems of truth, deep and far-reach-

ing; to assure all that the clear knowledge

of the Bible outdoes all other knowledge in

making man what God designed he should

be."—Testimonies, vol.

5, p. 686.

Thought Questions:

(1) Does the read-

ing of these prophetic writings whet your

appetite for Bible study?

(2)

When you

read Mrs. White's writings do you find

yourself thinking primarily of the writer's

style or God's salvation; of Christ or Mrs.

White; of the beauty of the language or

the truth expressed?

Lesson 10, for June 9, 1962

Marks of the Remnant. Church

MEMORY VERSE:

"And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make

war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and

have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Rev. 12:17.

STUDY HELPS:

"Testimonies," vol. 3, pp. 446-449; vol. 8, pp. 41, 42; "Testimonies

to Ministers," pages 132-135; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary;" "Prophets and

Kings," pages 605, 606.

LESSON AIM:

To identify the remnant church and to show that its final triumph

is sure.

THE LESSON

Introduction

"God is leading a people out from the

world upon the exalted platform of eternal

truth, the commandments of God and the

faith of Jesus. He will discipline and fit

up His people. They will not be at vari-

ance, one believing one thing, and another

having faith and views entirely opposite,

each moving independently of the body.

Through the diversity of the gifts and

governments that He has placed in the

church, they will all come to the unity of the

faith. . . .

"He has given His people a straight chain

of Bible truth, clear and connected. This

truth is of heavenly origin and has been

searched for as for hidden treasure. It has

been dug out through careful searching of

the Scriptures and through much prayer."

—Testimonies,

vol. 3, pp. 446, 447.

"Let all be careful not to make an out-

cry against the only people who are fulfill-

ing the description given of the remnant

people who keep the commandments of

God, and have faith in Jesus, who are

exalting the standard of righteousness in

these last days.

"God has a distinct people, a church on

earth, second to none, but superior to all

in their facilities to teach the truth, to vin-

dicate the law of God. God has divinely

appointed agencies—men whom He is lead-

ing, who have borne the heat and burden

of the day, who are co-operating with heav-

enly instrumentalities to advance the king-

dom of Christ in our world. Let all unite

with these chosen agents, and be found at

f32

]

last among those who have the patience of

the saints, who keep the commandments of

God, and have the faith of

Jesus."—Testi-

monies to Ministers,

pages 57, 58.

Christ's Church Through the

Centuries

What far-reaching truth was

given in response to Peter's confession

of faith in Christ? Matt. 16:13-19.

Compare Eph. 2:19-22.

NOTE.—"To those who believe, Christ is

a sure foundation. Upon this living stone,

Jews and Gentiles alike may build. It is

broad enough for all and strong enough to

sustain the weight and burden of the whole

world."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

page

175.

How did Christ begin to lay the

foundation of His church? John 1:

36-51.

NoTE.—"With the calling of John and

Andrew and Simon, of Philip and Nathan-

ael, began the foundation of the Christian

church."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 141.

After Christ's ascension to

heaven, who was to be His representa-

tive in this world? John 14:16-18.

NoTE.—"He instructed His disciples re-

garding a most essential and complete gift

which He was to bestow upon His followers

—the gift that would bring within their

reach the boundless resources of His grace.

`I will pray the Father,' He said, 'and He

shall give you another Comforter, that He

may abide with you forever; even the

Spirit of truth.' John 14:16,

17."—The Acts

of the Apostles,

page 47.

What rich endowments were

promised to the church with the com-

ing of the Spirit? 1 Cor. 12:7-11.

Compare John 14:16, 17, 26; 15:26.

Nom—The Holy Spirit was the highest

gift that Christ could solicit from the Fa-

ther for the benefit of His people. But the

Spirit of God, Himself a gift, became a

Giver of gifts. 1 Cor. 12:1, 7. These gifts

were set

the church, not

outside

of it.

Wrote Uriah Smith in his introduction to

the book

Patriarchs and Prophets:

"These

gifts are said to be 'set in the

church,'

and if

a gift is bestowed upon even one member of

the church, it may be said that that gift is

`in the church.'

"—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page xxi.

What assurance of His continu-

ing presence did Christ give to His

disciples? Matt. 28:20, last part.

NoTE.—Jesus' promise, "Lo, I am with

you alway," is fulfilled through the pres-

ence of the Holy Spirit. The Master said of

His representative, the Spirit of God, "He

dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."

John 14:17. Wrote John, "And hereby we

know that He abideth in us, by the Spirit

which He hath given us." 1 John 3:24. The

Spirit of God, said Jesus, would "abide with

you forever." John 14:16. The gifts of the

Spirit also are to be with the church until

the end of time.

Christian Church in Prophecy

By what symbolic representation

did Christ the Revelator present to

John the Christian church in her war-

fare against the forces of evil? Rev.

12:1-5.

NOTE.—(1) The woman clothed with the

sun represents the true church. See Jer.

6:2; Eph. 5:25. (2) The Man-child who

will rule the world with a rod of iron rep-

resents Jesus Christ. See Ps. 2:7-9. (3) The

great red dragon represents Satan primarily,

and secondarily pagan Rome. See Rev. 12:

The Great Controversy,

page 438. (4)

The remnant of the woman's seed repre-

sents the last true church of Christ. See

Rev. 12:17.

How did John describe the con-

flict of the church following Christ's

ascension? Rev. 12:13, 6, 14-16.

[33]

Nom—Unsuccessful in his attacks upon

the "seed" of the woman (Christ), the

dragon next attacked the woman, the

church. Persecution broke out first against

the church in Jerusalem (Acts 8:1; 9:1, 2),

later over much of the pagan Roman Em-

pire, still later throughout papal Europe

(Rev. 12:6). By the end of the eighteenth

century the flood tide of persecution ceased.

The time was now ripe for the fulfillment

of the last part of the symbolic prophecy

concerning the church.

How is the persecuting work of

Satan against the remnant described?

Rev. 12:17, first part.

Nom—The noun "remnant" is from the

Greek,

loipoi,

"remaining ones," from the

verb,

/eipd,

"to leave," "to leave behind,"

and does not here represent a few scattered

believers but "a corporate entity, God's vis-

ible, divinely commissioned organization on

earth." See

S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol.

7, pp. 812-815.

The "remnant" are as much the object

of Satan's attacks at the close of the gospel

dispensation as Christ and the apostles were

at the time the Christian church was estab-

lished. Warfare against God's people has

never ceased. Rather, it has intensified

through the centuries.

Marks of the Remnant Church

What marks of identity are pro-

vided to distinguish the remnant

church? Rev. 12:17, last part; 19:10,

last part.

10.

What did the angel declare that

John's brethren, the prophets, pos-

sessed? Rev. 19:10; 22:9.

NoTE.—In Revelation 19:10 the angel

tells John that there are certain brethren

of his "that have the testimony of Jesus."

In Revelation 22:9 the angel identifies these

brethren of his as "thy brethren the proph-

ets." The prophets are the agents through

whom the gift of prophecy operates. Hence

it is impossible to have the testimony of

Jesus in the remnant church without a

prophet—a heaven-ordained mouthpiece for

God.

11.

What further marks of identity

does the remnant church possess? Rev.

14:12, 13.

12.

In what Christian movement of

these times have the gift of prophecy

and the other marks of prophetic

identity been manifest?

Answer:

As students of Bible prophecy,

Seventh-day Adventists see in the move-

ment to which they belong a fulfillment of

the specifications of prophecy. While

others, honest in heart, are

potentially

members of the remnant church, it should

be kept in mind that the Seventh-day Ad-

ventist movement itself represents the rem-

nant of Revelation 12:17.

13.

What message has been en-

trusted to the advent people? Rev.

14:6-13. Compare Matt. 24:14.

NoTE.—The people who give this three-

fold message constitute

"the

'remnant' of

the long and worthy line of God's chosen

people that has survived the fierce on-

slaughts of the dragon down through his-

tory, most particularly the darkness, perse-

cution, and error of the 'time, and times,

and half a time,' or 1260 'days' of vs. 6, 14.

It is God's

last

'remnant' by virtue of the

fact that it is the appointed herald of His

final appeal to the world to accept the

gracious gift of salvation (ch. 14:6-12)."

—S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol.

7, p. 815.

Wrote Ellen G. White, "God has a church

on earth who are lifting up the downtrod-

den law, and presenting to the world the

Lamb of God that taketh away the sins

of the world. The church is the depositary

of the wealth of the riches of the grace of

Christ, and through the church eventually

will be made manifest the final and full

display of the love of God to the world

that is to be lightened with its glory. The

prayer of Christ that His church may be

one as He was one with His Father will

finally be answered. The rich dowry of the

Holy Spirit will be given, and through its

constant supply to the people of God they

wilt become witnesses in the world of the

power of God unto salvation."—

Testimo-

nies to Ministers,

page 50.

14. What did Jesus say concerning

the triumph of His church? Matt.

1&18, last part. Compare Joel 2:32.

Nora.-9 warn the Seventh-day Advent-

ist Church to be careful how you receive

every new notion and those who claim to

have great light. The character of their

work seems to be to accuse and to tear

down. Let the believers heed the voice of

the angel who said to the church, 'Press

together' In unity is your strength. Love

as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous. God

hath a church, and Christ hath declared,

'The gates of hell shall not prevail against

it' The messengers the Lord sends bear

the divine credentials."—Review

and Her-

ald,

Sept. 19, 18%, "The Remnant

Church,"

page 53.

"Messages of every order and kind have

been urged upon Seventh-day Adventists,

to take the place of the truth which, point

by point, has been sought out by prayerful

study, and testified to by the miracle-work-

ing power of the Lord. But the waymarks

which have made us what we are, are to

be preserved, and they will be preserved, as

God has signified through His word and

the testimony of His Spirit. He calls upon

us to hold firmly, with the grip of faith, to

the fundamental principles that are based

upon unquestionable authority."—Comz-

se,ls

to Writers and Editors,

page 52.

Thought Questions:

(1) Is

it not pos-

sible to know the truth about God's rem-

nant church and advocate the truth with-

out being bigoted? (2) In days of uncer-

tainty, what is the result of knowing for

a certainty the truth about the remnant

church?

Lesson 11, for June 16, 1962

A Gift That Guides and Guards

MEMORY VERSE:

"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt

go: I will guide thee with Mine eye." Ps. 32:8.

STUDY HELPS:

"Testimonies to Ministers," pages 24-62; "The Abiding Gift of

Prophecy," pages 330-369; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."

LESSON AIM:

To show

(1)

how the divine enlightenment which came through the

prophet served to guide and guard the Lord's people in Bible times, and (2)

how "modern Israel" also has been divinely led and providentially guarded.

THE LESSON

Introduction

During the seventy years of her minis-

try (1845-1915), Ellen G. White was used

as God's instrument to bring prophetic

guidance to His people, often in times of

crisis. A review of the guiding and guard-

ing influences of the spirit of prophecy in

our midst through the years of our work

gives clear, convincing ground for confi-

dence in God's leadership.

Ellen G. White was not the leader of the

advent movement as Moses was of the

Exodus movement. She did not serve in a

kingly capacity as David did over Israel.

Her work was more like the work of Sam-

uel, who was a teacher in Israel.

But as

the Israel of old "from Dan to Beersheba"

recognized in Samuel the work of a true

prophet of God, so have Seventh-day Ad-

ventists recognized in the work of Ellen G.

White an instrumentality of God's Holy

Spirit sent to give direction and spiritual

aid and comfort to His people.

[35]

Promises and Messages of

Guidance

1. What were the prophets in olden

times frequently called? 1 Sam. 9:9.

NoTE.—God sees from the beginning to

the end. The prophet, or the seer, is some-

times referred to as the "eyes" of the

church.

The prophetic work of Ellen G. White,

from the earliest days of the movement,

offered:

(a)

Protection against elements of dan-

ger from within the church.

When in the

1850's self-confidence and pride threatened

the spirituality of the movement, the spirit

of prophecy counsels exposed our perilous

position as revealed in the first messages

published in 1855 in the early testimonies.

Fanaticism was also exposed and repudi-

ated.

(b)

Protection against elements of dan-

ger from without the church.

The devices

of the enemy were unmasked, first in ex-

posing mesmerism (or hypnotism), then

much in the public eye, and in revealing

the true elements of deception in modern

spiritualism, which had its beginnings in

1848.

(c)

Guidance in the understanding of

basic Christian truths.

The humble people

of God were led into a fuller understanding

of the plan of redemption and into a clearer

knowledge of the meaning of current events

and future events through the comprehen-

sive "Great Controversy" vision of 1858.

See

Early Writings,

pages 145-295. The five

volumes known as "The Conflict of the

Ages Series" were the outgrowth of this

vision of more than a century ago.

2. How does the prophet Isaiah de-

scribe those who publish peace and

salvation? Isa. 52:7.

NOTE.-At

a conference held in the home

of Otis Nichols at Dorchester, Massachu-

setts, in November, 1848, the pioneers

sought God for special guidance. Heaven

seemed near, and to Ellen White was given

a vision. What was shown to her that day

is now known to all. After the vision she

said to her husband:

" `I have a message for you. You must

begin to print a little paper and send it

out to the people. Let it be small at first;

but as the people read, they will send you

means with which to print, and it will be

a success from the first. From this small

beginning it was shown to me to be like

streams of light that went clear round the

world.'

"—Life Sketches,

page 125.

Thus

Present Truth,

our first periodical,

was born. Scores of people accepted the

third angel's message in the months that

followed. This first denominational print-

ing endeavor brought "good tidings" and

"peace" and "salvation" to those who read.

And the spirit of prophecy counsels brought

the paper to birth. Today forty-three pub-

lishing houses issue literature in more than

two hundred languages, valued at more

than $20,000,000 a year—"streams of light"

going "clear round the world"!

3. What experiences in the New

Testament church demonstrated the

value of church order and organiza-

tion? Acts 6:1-6. Compare Acts 15:

1-32.

NoTE.—What a blessing clearly defined

organization was to the early Christian

church. To similar protecting experiences

in organization the "remnant church" was

called, as discordant elements worked

against unity. Of this Ellen G. White in 1853

wrote:

"I saw that this door at which the enemy

comes in to perplex and trouble the flock

can be shut. I inquired of the angel how

it could be closed. He said, `The church

must flee to God's word and become estab-

lished upon gospel order, which has been

overlooked and neglected.' This is indis-

pensably necessary in order to bring the

church into the unity of the faith."—Early

Writings,

page 100.

As early as 1853 James White wrote in

favor of "order and strict discipline in the

church of Christ." Others supported the

suggestion to organize in the interests of

the growing church. In 1860, a group meet-

ing in Battle Creek voted to call themselves

Seventh-day Adventists and to recommend

the name to the churches generally. In 1863

the General Conference was organized. To-

day the church is world-wide, with "gospel

order" well established and operative.

[36]

What experience came to the

apostle Paul that led him to carry the

gospel to Europe? Acts 16:9, 10.

NoTE.—Advance, advance to new and

unentered territories, has been the watch-

word among Seventh-day Adventists. And

in a night vision before the advent move-

ment had sent a single representative to

overseas lands, "One of dignity and author-

ity" was heard by Ellen White to speak.

"The whole world,' He said, 'is God's

great

vineyard.'"—Testimonies, vol.

7, p.

34. Eternity alone will reveal the influence

of the spirit of prophecy in the establish-

ment of our world mission program.

In the days of Hezekiah, what

remarkable instance of divine guid-

ance and protection is recorded?

2 Chron.

32:22.

Compare Isa. 37:1, 2,

6, 7, 33-37.

NOTE.—As Hezekiah the king and Isaiah

the prophet sought the deliverance of Judah

from threatened annihilation at the hand

of the boastful king of Assyria, "the Lord

sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty

men" (2 Chronicles 32:21), and the king

of Assyria was compelled to abandon the

expedition in shame. Good King Hezekiah

is said to have been divinely guided "on

every side."

And God has guided His remnant people

"on every side" through the spirit of proph-

ecy. Three illustrations will make this

clear:

(a)

Initial counsels on healthful living

in 1863 and the establishment of a medical

institution in 1866 at Battle Creek, Michi-

gan. Here the sick might find physical and

spiritual healing and "learn how to take

care of themselves and thus prevent sick-

ness."—Testimonies, vol.

1, p. 494. This

was the beginning of a large sanitarium

and hospital work which has since belted

the globe.

(b)

The establishment of a college in

Battle Creek in 1874 in response to pro-

phetic guidance. This school was the first

of our major educational institutions, and

was followed by hundreds of colleges, acad-

emies, and church schools in many lands

throughout the earth.

(c)

The reorganization of the General

Conference in 1901 at a time when the

work had reached a stage of advanced

growth beyond the general plan of admin-

istration and leadership. Too much respon-

sibility resided in too few men. In the

session of that year, convened at Battle

Creek, Sister White personally appealed

to the leaders of the church, calling for a

division of responsibility reaching down

from the General Conference. As a result,

smaller units of organization came to birth.

Union conferences were organized and de-

partments created to promote important

phases of the growing work. Today Sev-

enth-day Adventists have a strong system

of church organization.

Messages that Protected and

Preserved

In addition to leading the nation

of Israel, what other work is Moses

said to have done? Hosea 12:13.

NOTE.—Again and again through the

long centuries God has sent His messengers,

the prophets, to warn of errors and dangers,

to instruct in right living, and to encourage

His people to take a firmer hold of Om-

nipotence.

God miraculously delivered Israel, de-

graded in slavery and largely in ignorance

and apostasy, from bondage by the hand of

Moses and led them to the borders of the

Promised Land. To ensure the best of

spiritual and physical health, God gave to

His people just laws, intended to make of

them an exhibit before all the world of the

benefits to be derived from a cheerful ad-

herence to right principles. But time and

again they rebelled, and time and again the

prophetic voice of Moses was heard warn-

ing them of the dangers of disobedience and

assuring them of the favor and blessings of

God if they were obedient. By a prophet

was Israel led and preserved during those

crucial days.

What may God's commandment-

keeping church, having the "testi-

mony of Jesus," expect at the hand of

the dragon, Satan? Rev. 12:17,

[,37

NOTE.—The remnant church is the spe-

cial point of Satan's attacks. Could he

overthrow the people of prophecy, he

would succeed in thwarting the purposes

of God. So from the first, when the people

of the prophecy came into being, the

"dragon was wroth, ... and went to make

war" with them. But in the text which

informs us of Satan's declaration of war

is the promise of the guiding light of the

spirit of prophecy. A review of the history

of the Seventh-day Adventist Church dis-

closes how "by the hand of a prophet" we

have been "preserved" from Satan's many

attacks.

One of the first tasks laid upon the

youthful Ellen Harmon in the early days

was to meet fanaticism. Her teachings re-

buked false views held by some on the

doctrine of sanctification.

Life Sketches,

pages 8.3-89. Attempts to set times for the

Lord to come were squarely met as she

was shown by the Lord that they would

pass by.

Testimonies, vol.

1, p. 72. Thus

the unity of the church was preserved and

the messages of warning through the spirit

of prophecy erected a wall of protection

against unstable and apostate elements.

8. For what purpose did Christ

place the gifts in the church? Eph.

4:11, 13.

Nom--Paul envisioned the church living

in unity, edified and perfected, with a mem-

bership stable in its doctrinal positions, not

"tossed to and fro" by "every wind of

doctrine" introduced "by the sleight of

men, and cunning craftiness." When Satan

in his efforts to mislead souls has attempted

to bring in misleading teachings under the

banner of "new light," what a blessing it

has been to the remnant church to have

messages given "'to correct specious errors

and to specify what is truth.' "—Letter 117,

1910.

It was so at the turn of the century,

when insidious pantheistic views were art-

fully pressed upon Seventh-day Adventists

as new light. Prominent workers, medical

and ministerial, who led out in promulgat-

ing these false views of God in nature did

not see the evil fruitage of such teachings,

which would have neutralized every essen-

tial Seventh-thy Adventist doctrine. Not

a few were intrigued by these beautiful new

I 88

views concerning the power of God in

everything. But at the most critical mo-

ment in the crisis, when many men knew

not what views to accept, Ellen White,

instructed in vision to "meet it," dispatched

testimonies across the continent, which,

arriving at the crucial moment, clarified

the issues, settled— the controversy, and

saved the cause of God. See the full, thrill-

ing story in

The Abiding Gift of Prophecy,

pages 330-342.

And so the church was saved, "not once

or twice," but many times. And the warn-

ing, saving counsels given to meet these

issues live in the Ellen G. White books

to protect the church today.

9. What did the messages of the

prophet Elisha do for Israel? 2 Kings

6:8-12.

NoTE.—The attacks upon God's people

today may not be in the form of physical

violence, yet they are no less real and

perilous. One form in which the archen-

emy brings his attacks upon the remnant

is from within, as misguided and overzeal-

ous souls misuse the spirit of prophecy

counsels that were given to reform, as in-

indications that the church has become

Babylon.

This was particularly so in 1893 when a

layman took that position and published

a tract, "The Loud Cry of the Third An-

gel's Message," proclaiming the Seventh-

day Adventist Church as Babylon and urg-

ing the coming out of a small group that

would give the loud cry and usher in the

speedy advent of Christ. The spirit of

prophecy clearly and squarely met this

delusion, and the Loud Cry offshoot move-

ment was checked. The counsels published

first in a series of articles in the

Review

and Herald

are today found in

Testimonies

to Ministers,

pages 32-62, and in a pam-

phlet, "The Remnant Church." Subsequent

counsels touching this point are also found

Selected Messages,

b. 2, pp. 63-71. All

of the writings are preserved to save us

from similar so-called reform movements

today. Sister White wrote:

"Although there are evils existing in the

church, and will be until the end of the

world, the church in these last days is to

be the light of the world that is polluted

and demoralized by sin. The church, en-

feebled and defective, needing to be re-

proved, warned, and counseled, is the only

object upon earth upon which Christ be-

stows His supreme

regard."—Testimonies to

Ministers,

page 49.

10. At a time of crisis in the ex-

perience of Israel, through what

means did the Lord lead to deliver-

ance and bring about that deliverance?

2 Chron. 20:14-20. Compare Judges

4:1-7, 14.

Nora.—The prophetic message of Ellen

White, heard on a Sabbath afternoon in

1868 in Bushnell, Michigan, was the turn-

ing point in the life of the Bushnell church.

The preceding Sabbath the members had

decided to disband. But the providential

appearance of Elder and Mrs. James White,

timely as it was, turned the tide and

brought the victory. While speaking in a

large oak grove, Sister White communi-

cated to a number of the worshipers mes-

sages which God had given to her in vision

two years before. Then the truthfulness

of these testimonies was confirmed by the

parties concerned and it became apparent

to all that Mrs. White was indeed divinely

inspired. A revival ensued and the church

was saved. This is only one instance

among many in which God's timely provi-

dence was demonstrated through the min-

istry of Mrs. White.

Thought Questions:

(1) Though the

modern messenger is resting in her grave,

are not the testimonies living and vital as

ever? (2) Is history repeating itself today,

and is there need for guidance and protec-

tion now?

Lesson 12, for June 23, 1962

Prophecy, a Guiding Light

MEMORY VERSE:

"And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name

of the Lord shall be delivered: for in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be

deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall

call." Joel 2:32.

STUDY HELPS:

"Testimonies," vol. 5, pp. 467-476; "Prophets and Kings," pages

582-592; "Testimonies," vol. 1, pp. 179-184; "Early Writings," pages 269-273;

"S.D.A. Bible Commentary."

LESSON AIM:

To show that prophecy is one of God's means for preparing His

children for the trying experience that awaits them in the future crisis.

THE LESSON

Introduction

is God's intention that His people

shall have a clear knowledge of what is to

take place in the future and be able to face

the future informed. Jesus forewarned and

forearmed the disciples and reminded them,

"And now I have told you before it come

to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye

might believe." John 14:29. The coming

of trials then, rather than taking His peo-

ple by surprise, would be faced intelligently

and would strengthen and confirm their

faith in Christ, and, as Ellen G. White

comments, "they would say to one an-

other: 'He told us that this would come,

and what we must do to meet it.'

"—Testi-

monies,

vol. 9, p. 235.

God's seers of old, through prophetic

view, peered down through the centuries

and saw the larger features of the events

of the last days, and what they saw they

recorded for the instruction and encourage-

ment of mankind. In harmony with His

declared purpose, God has again spoken

through the spirit of prophecy, and in so

doing He has given to us in more minute

detail a picture of the events of the last

days. And the inspired message confirms

the word of the Bible prophets and

aids

a fuller and more complete understanding.

Prophecies That Touch the

Individual

What experience will come, at

the end of the time of trouble, to many

of God's people who sleep in their

graves? Dan. 12:1, 2.

NoTE.—It is the longing desire of every

Seventh-day Adventist to see Jesus come

in the clouds of heaven, but many have

fallen asleep and rest in the grave. Never-

theless, they will not be denied their fond-

est expectation. They will be raised from

the grave and witness the return of Christ.

This will be possible because of the special

resurrection of Daniel 12:2. Wrote Ellen

G. White:

"It is at midnight that God manifests

His power for the deliverance of His peo-

ple. The sun appears, shining in its

strength. Signs and wonders follow in

quick succession. • . . In the midst of the

angry heavens is one clear space of inde-

scribable glory, whence comes the voice

of God like the sound of many waters,

saying: 'It is done.' Revelation 16:17.

"That voice shakes the heavens and the

earth. There is a mighty earthquake. . . .

Graves are opened, and 'many of them that

sleep in the dust of the earth . . . awake,

some to everlasting life, and some to shame

and everlasting contempt.' Daniel 12:2.

All who have died in the faith of the third

angel's message come forth from the tomb

glorified, to hear God's covenant of peace

with those who have kept His

law."—The

Great Controversy,

pages 636, 637. See

pages 636-640;

Early Writings,

pages 285,

286.

What do the New Testament

writers foretell concerning the de-

ceptive power of Satanic agencies?

2 Thess. 2:9, 10; 2 Cor. 11:13-15; Rev.

16:13, 14.

NoTE.—"Satan 'works with

all

deceiv-

ableness of unrighteousness' to gain control

of the children of men, and his deceptions

will continually increase. . .

"Satan has long been preparing for his

final effort to deceive the world. The foun-

dation of his work was laid by the assur-

ance given to Eve in Eden: 'Ye shall not

surely die.' . . . Little by little he has pre-

pared the way for his masterpiece of de-

ception in the development of spiritualism.

He has not yet reached the full accomplish-

ment of his designs; but it will be reached

in the last remnant of time. . . . Except

those who are kept by the power of God,

through faith in His word, the whole world

will be swept into the ranks of this delu-

sion."—The

Great Controversy,

pages 560-

562.

What astounding development

did the apostle Paul predict would

take place in the religious world be-

fore the end? 2 Thess. 2:3, 4. Com-

pare Rev. 13:3, 4, 8, 9.

NOTE.—"The apostle Paul, in his second

letter to the Thessalonians, foretold the

great apostasy which would result in the

establishment of the papal power. He

declared that the day of Christ should not

come, 'except there come a falling away

first, and that man of sin be revealed.' "

—The Great Controversy,

page 49.

"God's word has given warning of the

impending danger; let this be unheeded,

and the Protestant world will learn what

the purposes of Rome really are, only

when it is too late to escape the snare. She

is silently growing into power. Her doc-

trines are exerting their influence in legis-

lative halls, in the churches, and in the

hearts of men. . . . We shall soon see and

shall feel what the purpose of the Roman

element is. Whoever shall believe and obey

the word of God will thereby incur re-

proach and persecution."—Ibid., p. 581.

What somber experience lies

ahead for all of God's faithful people?

Rev. 3:10.

NoTE.—"Just before us is the 'hour of

temptation, which shall come upon all the

world, to try them that dwell upon the

[

]

earth.' Revelation 3:10. All whose faith

is not firmly established upon the word of

God will be deceived and overcome."—

The Great Controversy,

page 560.

"We are living in the time of the end.

The fast-fulfilling signs of the times declare

that the coming of Christ is near at hand.

The days in which we live are solemn and

important. The Spirit of God is gradually

but surely being withdrawn from the earth.

Plagues and judgments are already falling

upon the despisers of the grace of God.

The calamities by land and sea, the un-

settled state of society, the alarms of war,

are portentous. They forecast approaching

events of the greatest magnitude.

"The agencies of evil are combining

their forces and consolidating. They are

strengthening for the last great crisis. Great

changes are soon to take place in our world,

and the final movements will be rapid

ones."—Testimonies,

vol. 9, p. 11. See also

page 43.

What view is given of distress-

ing troubles in the economic world?

James 5:3-6.

NoTE.—"There are not many, even

among educators and statesmen, who com-

prehend the causes that underlie the pres-

ent state of society. Those who hold the

reins of government are not able to solve

the problems of moral corruption, poverty,

pauperism, and increasing Crime. They are

struggling in vain to place business opera-

tions on a more secure basis. If men would

give more heed to the teaching of God's

word, they would find a solution of the

problems that perplex

them."—Testimonies,

vol. 9, p. 13.

What warning should restrain

the child of God from entering into

any confederacy with unbelievers?

2 Cor. 6:14-18. Compare Isa. 8:12.

NoTE.—"Men have confederated to op-

pose the Lord of hosts. These confederacies

will continue until Christ shall leave His

place of intercession before the mercy seat

and shall put on the garments of venge-

ance. Satanic agencies are in every city,

busily organizing into parties those opposed

to the law of

God."—Testimonies,

vol. 8,

p. 42.

"The trades unions and confederacies of

the world are a snare. Keep out of them,

and away from them, brethren. Have

nothing to do with them. Because of these

unions and confederacies, it will soon be

very difficult for our institutions to carry

on their work in the cities. My warning is:

Keep out of the cities. Build no sanitari-

ums in the cities. Educate our people to

get out of the cities into the country, where

they can obtain a small piece of land, and

make a home for themselves and their

children. . .

"Erelong there will be such strife and

confusion in the cities, that those who wish

to leave them will not be able. We must

be preparing for these issues. This is the

light that is given

me."—General Confer-

ence Bulletin,

April 6, 1903, in

Selected

Messages,

b. 2, p. 142.

Advance Scientific Information

What counsel was given to the

mother of Samson before the birth of

the child? Judges 13:13, 7.

NoTE.—Prenatal influences were so im-

portant in Samson's case that an angel

gave instruction to his parents on this

point. In 1905 Ellen G. White wrote:

"The effect of prenatal influences is by

many parents looked upon as a matter of

little moment; but heaven does not so

regard it. The message sent by an angel

of God, and twice given in the most

solemn manner, shows it to be deserving

of our most careful thought."—The

Minis-

try of Healing,

page 372.

The spirit of prophecy through Mrs.

White earnestly counseled through the

years the importance of the mother's in-

fluence on the unborn child. In scientific

circles of the world such concepts were not

generally held until recent years. In 1954,

almost forty years after Mrs. White's death,

an authoritative article appeared in a lead-

ing journal entitled, "There Is Prenatal

Influence." It opened with the introduc-

tory declaration: "For years scientists have

believed that your unborn baby lives an

insulated existence, protected from all ex-

ternal influence, but this is not true. It is

141]

cocking news that you can control the

development of your unborn child."—Ash-

ley Montague and Gertrude Schweitzer,

Ladies' Home Journal,

February, 1954.

But the messenger of the Lord had written

of these things long years before.

What far-reaching effects follow

right dietary practices? Eccl. 10:17.

NorE.—Closely linked with the physical,

mental, and moral welfare of any people

are their habits of eating and drinking. Of

the nearly two thousand pages comprising

the five spirit of prophecy books devoted

to health, a large proportion is devoted to

diet, conveying to the reader the instruction

given by God to Ellen White.

In 1958 Dr. Clive M. McCay, Professor

of Graduate Studies in Nutrition at Cornell

University, closed a public address, and

later a series of articles, with these reveal-

ing words: "In spite of the fact that the

works of Mrs. White were written long

before the advent of modern scientific nu-

trition, no better over-all guide is available

today.'

—

Review and Herald,

Feb. 26, 1959.

The Church Prepares to Meet God

In Zechariah's vision of Joshua

and the angel, what did Satan do?

What did the change of raiment sig-

nify? What promise was made to

Joshua, the high priest? Zech. 3:1-7.

NoTE.—"Zechariah's vision of Joshua

and the Angel applies with peculiar force

to the experience of God's people in the

closing up of the great day of atonement.

The remnant church will be brought into

great trial and distress. Those who keep

the commandments of God and the faith

of Jesus will feel the ire of the dragon

and his hosts. . . .

"Satan urges before God his accusations

against them, declaring that they have by

their sins forfeited the divine protection,

and claiming the right to destroy them as

transgressors. He pronounces them just as

deserving as himself of exclusion from the

favor of

God.'L—Testimonies, vol.

5, pp.

472, 473.

"All that have put on the robe of Christ's

righteousness will stand before Him as

chosen and faithful and true. Satan has

no power to pluck them out of the hand

of Christ."—/bid., p. 471.

"While Satan was urging his accusations

and seeking to destroy this company, holy

angels, unseen, were passing to and fro,

placing upon them the seal of the living

God. These are they that stand upon

Mount Zion with the Lamb."—/bid., p.475.

10.

What question asked by Jesus

suggests a condition that will exist in

earth's last days? Luke 18:8.

NOTE.-"I

was shown the people of God,

and saw them mightily shaken. Some, with

strong faith and agonizing cries, were plead-

ing with God. . . .

"Some, I saw, did not participate in this

work of agonizing and pleading. They

seemed indifferent and careless. They were

not resisting the darkness around them, and

it shut them in like a thick cloud.. .

"I asked the meaning of the shaking I

had seen, and was shown that it would be

caused by the straight testimony called

forth by the counsel of the True Witness

to the Laodiceans. This will have its effect

upon the heart of the receiver, and will

lead him to exalt the standard and pour

forth the straight truth. Some will not

beat this straight testimony. They will

rise up against it, and this will cause a

shaking among God's

people."—Testimo-

nies, vol.

1, pp. 179-181.

11.

What work will be finished be-

fore Christ comes? Matt. 24:14. Com-

pare Matt. 28:19, 20.

Nom—It was

difficult for the early pio-

neers to grasp the concept of a world work.

Not until 1874 did we send our first mis-

sionary, J. N. Andrews, to an overseas

field. In a vision of January 3, 1875, Ellen

G. White was shown many lights illuminat-

ing a world shrouded in darkness. She

was led in 1892 to declare: " 'The mission-

ary work in Australia and New Zealand

is yet hi its infancy, but the same work

must be accomplished in Australia, New

Zealand, in Africa, India, China, and the

islands of the sea, as has been accomplished

4,2

in the home

field"'—Life Sketches,

page

338.

In 1892 we had not yet opened our first

mission station in Africa. It was yet a year

before colporteurs were to enter India, and

a full decade before missionaries were dis-

patched to China. As for the islands of

the sea, we had just made the smallest

beginning. But the greatly expanded work

of the advent movement in all these and

many other lands today, with thousands

of churches, with mission stations, publish-

ing houses, medical institutions, colleges,

and food factories, testify that God has

kept His word.

12. What words of the prophets

apply to the church triumphant?

Song of Solomon 6:10; Isa. 60:1-5;

Joel 2:32.

NoTE.—The prophetic assurance of tri-

umph gives courage to the believers. Note

the following promises:

(a) Ever on gaining ground.

"The church

is to increase in activity and to enlarge her

bounds. Our missionary efforts are to be

expansive; we must enlarge our borders.

. While there have been fierce contentions

in the effort to maintain our distinctive

character, yet we have as Bible Christians

ever been on gaining

ground."—Selected

Messages,

b. 2, pp. 396, 397, May 6, 1907.

(b)

The Lord will bring us through tri-

umphantly.

"There is no need to doubt,

to be fearful that the work will not succeed.

God is at the head of the work. . . . Let

us have faith that God is going to carry the

noble ship which bears the people of God

safely into port. . . .

"When you think that the work is in

danger, pray, 'Lord, stand at the wheel.

Carry us through the perplexity. Bring us

safely into port.' Have we not reason to

believe that the Lord will bring us through

triumphantly

?"—Ibid.,

pp. 390, 391. (Ser-

mon on Sept. 4, 1891.)

(c)

God will continue with them even

to the end.

"When in the night season I

am unable to sleep, I lift my heart in

prayer to God, and He strengthens me and

gives me the assurance that He is with His

ministering servants in the home field and

in distant lands. I am encouraged and

blessed as I realize that the God of Israel

is still guiding His people, and that He

will continue to be with them, even to the

end."—Ibid.,

p. 406. (From an E. G. White

message to the General Conference in ses-

sion, 1913.)

Thought Questions:

(1) If God is with

His church till the end, is not the church

a good place to remain? (2) If all church

members were like me, what kind of a

church would it be?

Lesson 13, for June 30, 1962

Confidence in the Spirit of Prophecy

MEMORY VERSE:

"Whereupon,

King Agrippa,

was not

heavenly vision." Acts 26:19.

STUDY HELPS:

"Testimonies," vol. 5, pp.

668-670, 678-683;

b. 1, pp. 40-48; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."

LESSON AIM:

To show (1) our need of accepting the counsels

ecy; (2) that certain guiding principles should guide us

that one's happiness and salvation may depend upon

toward this gift.

disobedient unto the

"Selected Messages,"

of the spirit of proph-

in our study; and (3)

his personal attitude

THE LESSON

Introduction



the Lord has communicated His messages

through this agency. The questions now

For a full quarter we have been studying come to each one of us, "What is my rela-

the gift of prophecy. We

have seen how tionship to this gift? What do the spirit

[43

of prophecy counsels mean to me? How

will I study and apply these counsels?"

The answer to these questions ought not to

be postponed or evaded.

My Attitude Toward Reproof

By what figurative language did

God describe the work of the ancient

prophets? Hosea 6:5.

NOTE.—The hewing here referred to is

the same as the hewing of stones for con-

struction purposes. Here is an apt symbol

illustrating how the heavenly Sculptor

takes the rough granite of the soul and

fashions it into a thing of beauty that will

adorn the temple of the Lord forever.

What purpose did the Lord have

in sending prophets to His straying

people in days of old? What was the

response? 2 Chron. 24:19.

NOTE.—"The question to be settled . . .

is: Shall I deny myself and receive as of

God the

Testimonies

which reprove my

sins, or shall I reject the

Testimonies be-

cause

they reprove my sins?

"In many cases the

Testimonies

are fully

received, the sin and indulgence broken off,

and reformation at once commences in

harmony with the light God has given. In

other instances sinful indulgences are cher-

ished, the

Testimonies

are rejected, and

many excuses which are untrue are offered

to others as the reason for refusing to

receive them. The

true

reason is not given.

It is a lack of moral courage—a will,

strengthened and controlled by the Spirit

of God, to renounce hurtful habits."—

Testimonies,

vol. 4, p. 32. See also

Testi-

monies, vol.

5, p. 234.

What messages did rebellious

Judah ask the prophets to give? Isa.

30:10. Compare Ezek. 33:30-33.

NoTE.—"There are some in these last

days who will cry: 'Speak unto us smooth

things, prophesy deceits.' But this is not

my work. God has set me as a reprover

of His people; and just so surely as He

has laid upon me

the heavy burden, He

will make those to whom this message is

given responsible for the manner in which

they treat it. God will not be trifled with,

and those who despise His work will re-

ceive according to their deeds."—Testi-

monies, vol.

5, p. 679.

What was Ahab's attitude to-

ward the true prophet of God?

1 Kings 22:8. To what did such an

attitude often lead? Acts 7:52.

NOTE —" 'It is Satan's plan to weaken

the faith of God's people in the

Testimo-

nies.' Satan

knows how to make his at-

tacks. He works upon minds to excite

jealousy and dissatisfaction toward those

at the head of the work. The gifts are

next questioned; then, of course, they have

but little weight, and instruction given

through vision is disregarded.' Next fol-

lows skepticism in regard to the vital points

of our faith, the pillars of our position,

then doubt as to the Holy Scriptures, and

then the downward march to perdition.

When the

Testimonies,

which were once

believed, are doubted and given up, Satan

knows the deceived ones will not stop at

this; and he redoubles his efforts till he

launches them into open rebellion, which

becomes incurable and ends in destruction.'

`By giving place to doubts and unbelief in

regard to the work of God, and by cherish-

ing feelings of distrust and cruel jealousies,

they are preparing themselves for complete

deception.' "—Testimonies, vol.

5, p. 672.

In contrast to the above, what

was David's attitude toward the mes-

sage that came to him from the

prophet Nathan? 2 Sam. 12:7-9, 13.

NoTE.—Reporting on the work of Ellen

G. White at a general gathering of workers

in Europe in 1885, her interpreter and one

of our leading workers in Europe, D. T.

Bourdeau, wrote for the

Review and

Herald

of Nov. 10, 1885, as follows:

"Not only does this gift reprove sin with-

out dissimulation and partiality, as did

Nathan when he said to David, 'Thou art

the man;' but it deals in words of en-

couragement to help those reproved to

overcome, and to inspire hope, faith, and

courage to the desponding. It not only

probes the wound, but it also pours in the

oil, binds the wound, and hastens the

process of restoration. It brings the re-

ceiver to the Bible, and earnestly endeav-

ors to carry out the instructions it enjoins,

exemplifying in a marked degree the rare

graces of modesty, true humility, and self-

denial. It identifies itself with those for

whom it labors, bearing their burdens in

earnest, persevering prayer, forgetful of self

and ease, and keeping the glory of God and

the salvation of souls in view, aiming to

secure these at any sacrifice."

Understanding the Testimonies

As Paul recounted his experi-

ence before King Agrippa, what did

he declare had been his personal re-

lationship to heavenly visions? Acts

26:19.

NoTE.—Paul applied the message to his

own life. The vision changed his work, his

income, his associates, his whole life. He

did not stop to question. He knew God

had spoken, and he would obey. Should

we not look into our own lives and ask,

Are we obedient to the heavenly vision?

What principle is given to help

the honest seeker in his study of re-

vealed truth? 1 Cor. 2:12, 13.

NoTE.—"The Bible is its own expositor.

Scripture is to be compared with scripture.

The student should learn to view the word

as a whole and to see the relation of its

parts. He should gain a knowledge of its

grand central theme—of God's original

purpose for the world, of the rise of the

great controversy, and of the work of

redemption."—Counsels

to Parents, Teach-

ers, and Students,

page 462.

Just as the student is admonished to

view the Bible as a whole, so he should

gain the full picture of all the prophetic

counsels of Ellen White available on a

given point, putting statement with state-

ment. "The testimonies themselves will be

the key that will explain the messages given,

as scripture is explained by scripture."—

Selected Messages,

b. 1, p. 42.

What need often arises even

among those who have known the

present truth? Heb. 5:12. Compare

2 Peter 1:1-15.

NOTE.—The Christian must progress in

his knowledge of truth. He should steadily

advance in an understanding of Bible prin-

ciples. It is his privilege to enjoy a dy-

namic, not a static, experience. The writ-

ings of the prophets offer basic principles

to guide the life toward the goal of Chris-

tian perfection.

Mrs. White informs us: "I was then

directed to bring out general principles, in

speaking and in writing, and at the same

time specify the dangers, errors, and sins

of some individuals, that all might be

warned, reproved, and counseled."—Testi-

monies,

vol. 5, p. 660.

To accomplish this effectively, she was

instructed that her testimony was "to come

down to the minutiae of

life."—Ibid.,

667. Many times in her writings, princi-

ples are applied to a specific problem at

hand.

What must we consider when we

study

certain specific counsels

in the

Bible and the

Testimonies?

Answer:

The time, place, and circum-

stances of the giving of the message. As

Mrs. White wrote of the publication and

use of her writings she declared: "Regard-

ing the testimonies, nothing is ignored;

nothing is cast aside; but time and place

must be considered."—Selected

Messages,

b. 1, p. 57. It is proper to recognize the

circumstances which existed for which cer-

tain specific counsels were written. We

should find the principles and apply them

in our experience today, for principle does

not change.

NoTE.—Moses was commanded to re-

move his shoes, because the place where

he stood was holy ground. Exodus 3:5.

Respect and reverence in many countries

is today shown by other tokens. Paul's

counsel to Christian women to pray with

their heads covered (1 Cor. 11:5) is under-

[

46]

stood in accordance with the customs of

the time and place, and is not considered

obligatory in most countries today. Israel

was instructed that their garments should

carry a fringe of blue to designate them

as God's people. Num. 15:38. Dedication

to God may be shown today in modest

attire, but the principle is applied differ-

ently than with Israel. Each Christian is

to study prayerfully how to apply certain

specific principles to the issue at hand.

Proper Use or Misuse

10. Against what uses of the writ-

ings of Mrs. White are we warned?

Answer: (1) Not to be used as an iron

rule or club.

"They profess to believe the

testimony borne, and some do harm by

making them an iron rule for those who

have had no experience in reference to

them."—Testimonies, vol.

1, p. 369.

(2)

Not to be used as proof for unbe-

lievers.

"Some have taken an injudicious

course; when they have talked their faith

to unbelievers, and the proof has been

asked for, they have read a vision instead

of going to the Bible for proof. . . . The

visions can have no weight with those who

have never seen them and know nothing

of their spirit. They should not be referred

to in such

cases."—Testimonies, vol.

1, pp.

119, 120.

(3)

Not to select brief excerpts and use

them out of context.

"There are those who

pick out from the word of God, and also

from the Testimonies, detached paragraphs

or sentences that may be interpreted to suit

their ideas, and they dwell upon these."—

Selected Messages,

b. 1, p. 179.

11. Have the passage of the years

and the circumstances of modern times

made the prophetic writings obsolete?

Answer:

"I have been shown that the

principles that were given us in the early

days of the message are as important and

should be regarded just as conscientiously

today as they were

then."—Testimonies,

vol. 9, p. 158. From address given by Mrs.

White at the General Conference of 1909.

Nors.—"Through His Holy Spirit the

voice of God has come to us continually in

warning and instruction, to confirm the

faith of the believers in the spirit of

prophecy. . . . Time and trial have not

made void the instruction given. . . . The

instruction that was given in the early

days of the message is to be held as safe

instruction to follow in these its closing

days."—Selected Messages,

b. 1, p. 41.

Written in 1907.

A Vital Question for All

12.

In Paul's appeal to Agrippa,

what pertinent question did he ask?

Acts 26:27. Compare 2 Kings 17:13,

14; Luke 24:25.

NOTE.—When the prophetic message,

with clear, convincing evidence, reaches the

heart, it is perilous to turn away in dis-

belief.

"My brethren, beware of the evil heart

of unbelief. The word of God is plain and

close in its restrictions; it interferes with

your selfish indulgence; therefore you do

not obey it. The

Testimonies

of His Spirit

call your attention to the Scriptures, point

out your defects of character, and rebuke

your sins; therefore you do not heed them.

And to justify your carnal, ease-loving

course you begin to doubt whether the

Testimonies

are from God. If you would

obey their teachings you would be assured

of their divine origin. Remember, your

unbelief does not affect their truthfulness.

If they are from God they will stand."—

Testimonies,

vol. 5, p. 6.74.

13.

When there is no prophetic

vision, what dire consequences result?

Prov.



Compare 1 Sam. 3.1.

NOTE.—"Satan is . .. constantly pressing

in the spurious—to lead away from the

truth. The very last deception of Satan

will be to make of none effect the testi-

mony of the Spirit of God. 'Where there

is no vision, the people perish (Prov. 29:

18). Satan will work ingeniously, in differ-

ent ways and through different agencies, to

unsettle the confidence of God's remnant

46 3

Ques. 1. Gen. 2:18-20.

Ques. 2. Gen. 2:21, 22.

Ques. 3. Gen. 2:23.

Ques. 4. Eph. 5:28.

Ques. 5. Matt. 19:3-6.

Ques. 6. Gen. 2:15.

Ques. 7. Gen. 2:16, 17.

Ques. 8. Gen. 3:1.

Ques. 9. Gen. 3:2-6.

Ques. 10. Gen. 3:7.

Ques. 11. Gen. 3 :12, 13.

Ques. 12. Gen. 3:15.

Ques. 13. Gen. 3:16.

Ques. 14. Gen. 4:1, 2 ; 5:3, 4.

people in the true testimony"-Selected

Messages,

b. 1, p.. 48.

14. With what words did Jehosha-

phat encourage the people as they fol-

lowed the Lord's direction given

through the prophet? 2 Chron. 20:20.

NoTE.-Writing at a time of crisis in our

work, Ellen White declared: "Some will

yield their faith, and will deny the truth

of the messages, pointing to them as false-

hoods.

"Some will hold them up to ridicule,

working against the light that God has

been giving for years, and some who are

weak in the faith win thus be led astray.

"But others will be greatly helped by the

messages. Though not personally addressed,

they will be corrected and will be led to

shun the evils specific

L . . .

The Spirit of

the Lord will be it the instruction, and

doubts existing in aany minds will be

swept away. The testimpnies tkernselves

will be the key that will explain the mes-

sages given, as scripture is explained by

scripture. Many will read with eagerness

the messages reproving wrong, that they

may learn what they may do to be saved.

. . . Light will dawn upon the understand-

ing, and the Spirit will make an impression

on minds, as Bible truth is clearly and

simply presented in the messages that since

1846 God has been sending His people.

These messages are to find their place in

hearts, and transformations will take

place."-Selected Messages,

b. 1, pp. 41, 42.

Thought Questions:

(1) What advan-

tages accrue to the Christian who orders

his life by the word of God and the testi-

monies of His Spirit? (2) What is to be

gained by rejecting the counsel of the

Lord? (3) Is neglect of the

Testimonies

as hazardous as their rejection? (4) Is your

position on the spirit of prophecy positive

and decided?

Lessons for the Third Quarter, 1962

Sabbath school members who have failed to receive a senior

Lesson Quarterly

for the

third quarter will be helped by the following outline in studying the first lesson. The

title of the series is, "Women of the Bible." The first lesson is entitled "Eve, 'The Mother

of All Living.' " The Memory Verse is Genesis 2:18. The texts to be studied are:

Northern European Division Statistics

Union Mission

Population

No. of

Churches

Church

Members

Sab. School

Members

British U. C.

57,543,473

111

9,252

8,837

Ethiopian U. M.

23,570,000

3,874

6,703

Finland U. C.

4,086,400

5,181

5,151

Iceland C.

170,000

415

619

Netherlands U. C.

11,000,000

2,717

2,360

Polish U. C.

30,000,000

3,622

4,158

Swedish U. C.

7,786,066

3,783

3,502

West African U. M.

49,390,730

177

25,032

60,345

West Nordic U. C.

8,153,000

138

8,938

7,976

Greenland M.

37,368

Division Totals

191,737,037

672

62,822

99,660